bhibb»hh 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/catalogueofchine00getz_0 





THIS  COPY,  No.  Hbb. 

OF  THE  MEMORIAL  CATALOGUE 
OF  CHINESE  ART  OBJECTS,  INCLUDING  PORCELAINS,  POTTERIES, 
JADES,  BRONZES,  AND  CLOISONNE  ENAMELS 
COLLECTED  BY  EDWARD  R.  BACON 
WAS  PRINTED  FROM  TYPE  ON  A SPECIALLY  MADE  PAPER 
MAY,  NINETEEN  NINETEEN,  AND  IS  PRESENTED 
WITH  THE  COMPLIMENTS  OF 
VIRGINIA  P.  BACON 

(DECEASED  APRIL  7,  I919) 


CATALOGUE  OF 

CHINESE  ART  OBJECTS 


EDWARD  R.  BACON 
COLLECTION 


EDWARD  R.  BACON 
Zorn 


CATALOGUE  OF 

CHINESE  ART  OBJECTS 

INCLUDING 

PORCELAINS,  POTTERIES,  JADES, 
BRONZES,  AND  CLOISONNE  ENAMELS 

COLLECTED  BY 

EDWARD  R.  BACON 


WITH  ILLUSTRATIONS  IN  COLOUR 
AND  PHOTOGRAVURE 


NOTES  AND  DESCRIPTIONS 

BY 

JOHN  GETZ 

ORDRE  DE  LA  LEGION  D’HONNEUR 
ORDINE  DELLA  CORONNE  D’lTALIA 


PRIVATELY  PRINTED  FOR 

VIRGINIA  P.  BACON 

NEW  YORK 


MCMXIX 


LIST  OF  PLATES 


Edward  R.  Bacon 


Plate  I 

No.  2 Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Vases  No.  4 

No.  3 Pair  of  Small  Famille  Verte  Jars 

Plate  II  

No.  15  Shallow  Bowl  No.  17 

No.  16  Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Vases  No.  18 

Plate  III  

No.  25  Famille  Verte  Lotus-flower  Vase  No.  26 

Plate  IV  

No.  31  Rare  Black  Hawthorn  Vase  No.  32 

Plate  V 


No.  35  Tall  Decorated  Famille  Verte  Vase 

Plate  VI 

No.  39  Large  Famille  Verte  Palace  Jar 

Plate  VII  

No.  41  Stately  Famille  Verte  Vase  No.  43 

No.  42  Tall  Famille  Verte  Vase 


Plate  VIII 

No.  46  Noble  Famille  Verte  Palace  Vase 

Plate  IX  

No.  49  Famille  Verte  Warrior  Vase  No.  50 

Plate  X 

No.  54  Famille  Verte  Vase  with  Raised  No.  56 

Figures 

No.  55  Tall  Square  Famille  Verte  Panel  Vase 


Plate  XI  

No.  60  Square  Famille  Verte  Vase  No.  62 

No.  61  Square  Yellow  and  Green  Decorated 
Vase 


Plate  XII  

No.  65  Early  Famille  Verte  Ewer  No.  66 

Plate  XIII 

No.  71  Libation  Cup  No.  75 

No.  72  Writer’s  Water-pourer  No.  77 

No.  73  Porcelain  Duck  Pourer 

Plate  XIV  . . 

No.  93  Pair  of  Turquoise-blue  Parrots  No.  103 


No.  97  Two  Decorated  Bodhisattva  Figures 

Cvn] 


Famille  Verte  Porcelain  Vase 


Frontispiece 

Facing  page 

. . 4 


Famille  Verte  Plate 
Two  Famille  Verte  Plates 


Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Cornet  Vases 


Tall  Famille  Noire  Vase 


Famille  Verte  Porcelain  Vase 


8 

12 

14 

16 

18 

20 


22 

• 24 

Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Beakers 

26 

Decorated  Famille  Verte  Rouleau 
Vase 

28 

Square  Green  “Four-season”  Vase 


• • • 32 

Pair  of  Porcelain  Fuh-lions 

36 

Famille  Verte  Porcelain  Partridge 
Pair  of  Fuh-dogs 

44 

Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 


Facini 

Plate  XV 

No.  107  Ming  Palace  Garden  Seat  No.  108  Two  Imperial  Yellow  Garden 

Seats 

Plate  XVI  

No.  114  Ming  Decorated  Vase  No.  116  Decorated  Ming  Fish  Jar 

No.  1 15  Rare  Ming  Decorated  Vase 

Plate  XVII 

No.  120  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase  No.  122  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

No.  121  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

Plate  XVIII 

No.  129  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar  No.  130  Pair  of  Inverted  Pear-shaped  Vases 

Plate  XIX 

No.  133  Early  Ming  Wine  Jar  No.  135  Ming  Porcelain  Wine  Jar 

No.  134  Ming  Decorated  Wine  Jar 

Plate  XX 

No.  139  Ming  Decorated  Wine  Jar 

Plate  XXI  

No.  145  Reticulated  Ming  Wine  Jar  No.  146  Reticulated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

Plate  XXII 

No.  149  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar  No.  151  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

No.  150  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

Plate  XXIII 

No.  154  Ming  Glazed  Pottery  Figure  No.  156  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

No.  155  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

Plate  XXIV 

No.  158  Ming  Pottery  Statuette  No.  160  Ming  Pottery  Figure  on  Bench 

No.  159  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

Plate  XXV 

No.  162  Ming  Pottery  Bodhisattva  Figure  No.  164  Ming  Pottery  Figure 

No.  163  Ming  Pottery  Bodhisattva  Figure 

Plate  XXVI  

No.  168  Tall  Decorated  Lotus-flower  Vase  No.  170  Rare  Green  and  Yellow  Decorated 

No.  169  Rare  Three-coloured  Dragon  Bottle  Vase 

Plate  XXVII 

No.  179  Ming  Lotus  and  Crane  Vase  No.  180  Pair  of  Decorated  Vases 

Plate  XXVIII 

No.  185  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase  No.  188  Another  Five-colour  Wine  Jar 

No.  187  Ming  Five-colour  Wine  Jar 

Plate  XXIX 

No.  193  Pair  of  Decorated  Ming  Vases  No.  194  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

Plate  XXX 

No.  198  Pair  of  Ming  Jars  No.  199  Ming  Five-colour  Jar 

Plate  XXXI 

No.  204  Decorated  Wan  Li  Jardiniere  No.  206  Decorated  Ming  Gourd-shaped 

No.  205  Decorated  Ming  Gourd-shaped  Bottle 

Bottle  No.  215  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 

Plate  XXXII 

No.  210  Pair  of  Early  Famille  Verte  Wine  No.  216  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 

Jars 


? page 

54 

58 

60 

64 

66 

68 

70 

72 

78 

80 

82 

86 

90 

92 

96 

98 

100 

102 


C vin  3 


Facing  page 

120 


Plate  XXXIII  . 

No.  244  Rare  Famille  Rose  Taoist  Triad 
Vase 

Plate  XXXIV 

No.  254  Mandarin  Garniture  de  Cheminee 

Plate  XXXV 

No.  291  Pair  of  Unique  Chun  Ware 
Animals 

Plate  XXXVI 

No.  301  Monochrome  Apple-green  Vase 
No.  302  Rare  Apple-green  Vase 

Plate  XXXVII 

No.  314  Large  Sung  Celadon  Vase 

Plate  XXXVIII 

No.  333  Powder-blue  Vase 
No.  334  Powder-blue  Vase 

Plate  XXXIX  ........ 

No.  344  Large  Blue  and  White  Oviform 
Vase 

Plate  XL 

No.  348  Pair  of  Stately  Blue  and  White  Jars 

Plate  XLI 

No.  354  Blue  and  White  Bottle-shaped  Vase 
No.  355  Blue  and  White  Bottle-shaped  Vase 

Plate  XLII 

No.  376  Large  Blue  and  Red  Palace  Vase 

Plate  XLIII  

No.  383  Large  Blue  and  Yellow  Pilgrim 
Bottle 

Plate  XLIV 

No.  387  Large  Yuan  Pottery  Plant  Jar 

Plate  XLV 

No.  393  White  Jade  Reticulated  Rose  Jar 
No.  394  White  Jade  Dragon  Vase 
No.  395  Tall  White  Jade  Lotus  Ewer 

Plate  XLVI  

No.  404  Blended  Gray  Jade  Bird  Ewer 
No.  406  White  Jade  Duck  Ornament 
No.  407  White  Jade  Bird  and  Fruit  Vase 
No.  412  Clouded  Gray  Jade  Twin  Vases 

Plate  XLVII 

No.  437  Unique  Blue  Jadeite  Vase 
No.  441  Sculptured  Malachite  Vase 

Plate  XLVIII 

No.  443  Sculptured  Malachite  Vase 
No.  451  Han  Jade  Animal  Paper-weight 
No.  452  Han  Jade  Animal  Paper-weight 
No.  453  Sculptured  Green  Jade  Water 
Buffalo 


No.  247  Famille  Rose  Fruit  Plate 
No.  248  Famille  Rose  Fruit  Plate 


No.  292  Chun  Yao  Clair-de-lune  Vase 


No.  303  Apple-green  Cabinet  Jar 


No.  335  Powder-blue  plaque 


No.  345  Pair  of  Unique  Blue  and  White 
Vases 


No.  356  Pair  of  Blue  and  White  Bottles 


No.  381  Large  Decorated  Palace  Vase 


No.  384  Another  Blue  and  Yellow  “Full 
Moon”  Vase 


No.  396  White  Jade  Vase  and  Bird  Group 
No.  399  Pair  of  White  Jade  Bowls 


No.  413  Sculptured  White  Jade  Stag 
No.  414  White  Jade  Water  Coupe 
No.  415  Jade  Animal  Group 
No.  416  Yellow  Jade  Phcenix-bird  Vase 


No.  442  Turquoise  Stone  Mountain  Orna- 
ment 


No.  454  Another  Green  Jade  Water 
Buffalo 

No.  456  Dark  Green  Jade  Dragon-fish 


124 

140 

142 

150 

160 

168 

170 

172 

182 

188 

194 

212 

2l6 


230 


24O 


Plate  XLIX . . 

No.  458  Green  Jade  Imperial  Wine-dragon 
Vase 

No.  462  Dark  Green  Jade  Sacrificial  Urn 
No.  463  Imperial  Dark  Green  Jade  Dragon 
Bowl 


Plate  L . 

No.  477 
No.  478 
No.  479 

Plate  LI  . 

No.  484 
No.  487 
No.  488 

Plate  LI I 

No.  513 
No.  515 

Plate  LI  1 1 

No.  522 

Plate  LIV 

No.  533 


Amethystine  Water  Coupe 
Amethyst  Fish-dragon  Vase 
Ornate  Amethyst  Vase 


Smoky  Quartz  Peach  Coupe 

Rock  Crystal  Wine  Pot 

Rock  Crystal  Fruit  and  Bird  Vase 


Cloisonne  Sacrificial  Wine  Vessel 
Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 


Large  Ming  Cloisonne  Vase 


Parcel-gilt  and  Enamelled  Gar- 
niture de  Cheminee 


Plate  LV 

No.  538  Pair  of  White  Cloisonne  Elephants 

Plate  LVI . . . 

No.  545  Ming  Cloisonne  Duck 
No.  546  Pair  of  Cloisonne  Ducks 
No.  547  Small  Cloisonne  Bird 


Plate  LVII  ........ 

No.  553  Ming  Cloisonne  Tripod  Incense  Jar 
No.  554  Ming  Cloisonne  Tripod  Jar 
No.  557  Ming  Cloisonne  Tripod  Censer 

Plate  LVIII  . 

No.  564  Quadrangular  Cloisonne  Beaker 
No.  565  Cloisonne  Incense  Box 
No.  566  Cloisonne  Incense  Burner 


Plate  LIX 

No.  572  Pair  of  Colossal  Cloisonne  Enamel 
Palace  Vases 

Plate  LX 

No.  578  Grand  Cloisonne  Palace  Vase 

Plate  LXI 

No.  598  Inlaid  Bronze  Animal  Wine  Vessel 
No.  599  Small  Bronze  Incense  Burner 
No.  600  Bronze  Fuh-lion 


Plate  LXII 

No.  605  Ancient  Bronze  Statue  of  the  God  of 
War 


Plate  LXIII 

No.  615  Tall  Silver  Inlaid  Bronze  Vase 


Facing  page 

244 

No.  464  Dark  Green  Tripod  Incense  Urn 

No.  465  Dark  Green  Jade  Dragon  Bowl 

No.  466  Dark  Green  Jade  Ewer 

No.  467  Dark  Green  Jade  Vase 

No.  469  Dark  Green  Gourd-shaped  Bottle 

252 

No.  480  Dark  Amethyst  Jar 

No.  481  Rare  Amethyst  Bottle-shaped  Vase 


No.  489  Ornate  Rock  Crystal  Vase 
No.  490  Rock  Crystal  Dragon  and  Phoenix 
Vase 


No.  516  Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 


254 


272 


274 

No.  523  Large  Ming  Cloisonne  Vase 

278 

282 

No.  539  Cloisonne  Elephant  Tripod  Censer 

284 

No.  548  Small  Cloisonne  Bird  Incense  Burner 
No.  549  Two  Cloisonne  Enamel  Quails 


288 

No.  558  Cloisonne  Cabinet  Bottle 
No.  559  Pair  of  Cloisonne  Vases 


29O 

No.  567  Triple  Stand  of  Cloisonne  and  Gilt 
Bronze 


292 


294 

• • • 306 

No.  601  Inlaid  Bronze  Wine  Ewer 
No.  603  Bronze  and  Silver  Inlaid  Ewer 
No.  604  Small  Bronze  Tripod  Urn 

308 


312 


PREFACE 


THE  late  Mr.  Edward  R.  Bacon  was  among  those  connoisseurs 
who  long  ago  recognized  the  beauty  and  intrinsic  worth  of 
Chinese  art  as  manifested  in  ceramics,  cloisonne,  bronze,  and 
sculptured  hard  stones.  All  such  objects  appealed  to  his  cultivated 
taste  with  equal  force,  if  they  measured  up  to  standards  that  had  been 
fixed  by  a certain  cognizant  judgment  gained  through  his  very  keen 
eyes  and  sensibilities  for  both  form  and  colour.  The  collection,  as 
Mr.  Bacon’s  friends  knew  it  in  New  York,  was  begun  in  an  unostenta- 
tious way  about  thirty  years  ago,  rather  as  an  accessory  to  contribute 
in  some  dignified  way  to  the  appearance  of  his  home,  where  its  presence 
soon  stimulated  research  and  study. 

The  aid  of  sympathetic  friends  and  his  familiarity  with  English 
and  French  collections,  as  well  as  the  assistance  of  a reliable  agent 
abroad,  brought  the  objects  now  under  review  his  way,  but  no  one 
outside  of  his  immediate  family  knew  how  wonderful  and  large  the 
collection  was  that  had  been  garnered,  during  his  annual  European 
trips,  for  the  day  when  he  could  house  and  properly  install  it.  In  this 
connection  it  may  be  permitted  to  quote  a few  lines  from  a letter 
written  to  his  brother,  the  late  Mr.  Walter  Rathbone  Bacon,  dated 
July  n,  1913,  in  which  Mr.  Bacon  wrote  that  he  had  been  busy  for 
weeks  in  Paris,  unpacking  and  going  over  his  collection,  feeling 
amazed  at  what  he  had  bought  during  the  last  years.  “I  think  you 
and  Virginia  will  be  gratified  when  you  see  them.  I could  not  dupli- 
cate the  collection  now.” 

Mr.  Edward  R.  Bacon  saw  these  possessions  of  his  in  Paris  for  the 
last  time  during  the  summer  of  the  following  year — just  at  the  time 
when  the  horrible  world  war  began.  It  was  his  customary  visit  to  look 


over  and  add  to  the  collection,  if  possible ; at  such  times  he  had  the 
strong  rooms  opened  up  to  see  and  enjoy  his  acquired  treasures.  To 
the  writer’s  own  amazement,  he  found  that  some  of  these  objects  had 
been  stored  ten  years  or  more  abroad,  awaiting  their  final  disposition  in 
cabinets.  Alas!  there  was  no  room  for  them  here  in  Mr.  Bacon’s 
already  overcrowded  home.  However,  there  was  method  in  the  acqui- 
sition of  this  indomitable  collector,  for  many  were  pendants  to  com- 
plete pairs,  trios,  and  garnitures  of  five,  while  others  were  selected  for 
their  superlative  quality  or  some  notes  of  rarity  to  strengthen  his 
collection.  The  several  groups  comprehend  porcelains  and  potteries 
of  the  periods  that  are  most  esteemed  among  the  cognoscenti  to-day, 
and  these,  like  the  jades,  bronzes,  and  cloisonne  enamels,  are  the 
desideratum  of  museums  the  world  over,  as  presenting  interesting 
chronological  phases  of  a Far  Eastern  art  in  its  historical  and  technical 
development.  Coming  to  us  from  remote  times,  they  convey  a sense 
of  vague  mystery,  if  not  direct  enchantment;  these  qualities  were  felt 
and  acknowledged  in  the  past  by  the  most  highly  cultured  patrons  of 
art  of  every  race. 

With  regard  especially  to  the  ceramics,  there  is  hardly  a better 
illustration  of  the  varied  influence  and  power  of  art  than  that  pre- 
sented by  the  means  of  a good  form,  created  from  rude  clay,  which, 
when  fired  and  covered  by  the  magic  touch  of  coloured  glazes,  is 
converted  into  an  object  of  special  value.  Many  hours  of  aesthetic 
enjoyment  of  its  merit  may  be  held  in  store  for  the  amateur  as  it  is 
handed  down  through  succeeding  generations.  Of  great  potency,  also, 
is  the  innate  subtlety  of  charm  that  prevails  in  jades  when  fashioned 
into  graceful  forms  by  the  skilled  Chinese  lapidary  craftsmen  whose 
inherited  art  of  many  generations  cannot  be  adequately  communicated 
by  words,  even  with  an  abundance  of  adjectives  that  one  could  employ 
in  their  descriptions.  As  with  porcelains,  there  remains  some  peculiar 
intrinsic  elegance  that  may  be  esteemed  according  to  one’s  own  per- 
sonal predilection,  whether  it  be  sensibility  of  colour,  charm  of  con- 
tour, or  touch,  and  perhaps  more  particularly  as  one  comprehends  the 
history  of  these  varied  bibelots  of  plastic  art. 

[xn  ^ 


In  considering  the  glyptic  art  of  ancient  China  in  the  medium  of 
nephrite,  or  so-called  jade,  interwoven  as  it  has  been  with  native 
records  that  date  back  to  early  periods  of  culture  and  progress,  it  can 
be  said  with  considerable  truth  that,  aside  from  written  records, 
sculptured  objects  in  stone  have  been  an  equal  source  with  bronze  and 
pottery  for  our  information  concerning  the  early  history  of  those 
ancient  people  of  the  Middle  Kingdom,  or  Sons  of  Han,  whom  we 
term  Chinese. 

It  has  been  deemed  advisable  in  the  construction  of  this  work,  fol- 
lowing the  expressed  wishes  of  Mrs.  Walter  Rathbone  Bacon,  to  give 
a comprehensive  amount  of  description,  without  entering  into  ex- 
tended technicalities.  The  text  is  supplemented  by  a number  of 
coloured  plates  and  photogravures  illustrating  typical  specimens  in 
the  collection.  Besides,  the  several  groups  have  been  separated  accord- 
ing to  their  distinctive  colours  or  provenance,  with  brief  headings. 

New  York,  1919.  John  Getz. 


[xmH 


CHRONOLOGICAL  SUMMARY  OF 
CHINESE  DYNASTIES 


THE  earlier  dates  given  in  the  following  table  have  been  calculated  backward  by  later  his- 
torians from  the  lengths  of  the  reigns  and  other  data  recorded  in  the  current  annals,  and 
must  consequently  be  taken  as  only  approximate.  It  is  not  till  the  accession  of  Hsiian  Wang 
(b.c.  822)  that  there  is  a general  agreement  in  the  native  sources.  From  this  time  downward 
the  official  Chinese  dates  are  accepted  by  sinologues  and  Chinese  scholars  generally  as  correct. 
Not  in  every  case  did  the  dynasties  named  below  rule  over  the  whole  of  China,  but  those  named 
are  regarded  by  the  Chinese  as  legitimate. 

MYTHICAL  EPOCH 
( Known  to  the  Chinese  as  San  Huang) 

The  Three  Fabulous  Rulers  . . . about  B.c.  3300-2852 

QUASI  LEGENDARY  EPOCH 
( Known  to  the  Chinese  as  Wu  Ti ) 

The  Five  Rulers about  B.c.  2852-2205 

THE  THREE  EARLY  DYNASTIES  (Feudal  Period) 


Name  of  Dynasty 

( Known  to  the  Chinese  as  San  Tai ) 

Number  of  Rulers 

Duration  of 
Dynasty 

Hsia  .... 

Eighteen 

. B.C. 

2205-1766 

Shang 

Twenty-eight 

1766-II22 

Chou  .... 

Thirty-five 

I 122-255 

Ch'in  .... 

Five 

255-206 

Western  Han  . 

Fifteen 

205-25A.D. 

Eastern  Han 

Twelve 

. A.D. 

25-221 

Name  of  Dynasty 

PERIOD  OF  THE  THREE  KINGDOMS 

Number  of  Rulers 

Duration  of 
Dynasty 

Minor  Han  . 

Two 

. A.D. 

221-265 

Western  Chin  . 

Four 

265-317 

Eastern  Chin 

Eleven 

317-420 

EPOCH 

Name  of  Dynasty 

OF  DIVISION  BETWEEN  NORTH  AND 

Number  of  Rulers 

SOUTH 

Duration  of 
Dynasty 

Sung  (liu  House) 

Eight 

420-479 

Ch'i  .... 

. 

479-502 

Liang  .... 

502-557 

Ch'en  .... 

. 

557"589 

While  the  four  above-named  dynasties  were  ruling  over  southern  China,  the  northern  half  of 
the  country  was  under  the  domination  of  the  Northern,  Western,  and  Eastern  Wei  Dynasties 
(Tartar  House  of  Toba),  as  well  as  of  the  Northern  Ch'i  and  Northern  Chou. 


Name  of  Dynasty 


Number  of  Rulers 

Four  . 
Twenty- two 


Duration  of 
Dynasty 


* 


SUI  . 
T'ANG1 


a.d.  589-618 
618-906 


WU  TAI  (“Five  Dynasties”) 


Name  of  Dynasty 

Number  of  Rulers 

Duration  of 
Dynasty 

Posterior  Liang 

Two 

“ T'ang 

Four 

• • • 923-936 

“ Chin 

Two 

• • • 936-947 

“ Han 

Two 

• • • 947-951 

Chou 

Three 

951-960 

NORTHERN  SUNG  > 

Twenty 

SOUTHERN  SUNG  ) * ‘ * ' 

YUAN-MONGOL  DYNASTY  . 

Twenty-five  . 

1280-1367 

MING-NATIVE  DYNASTY  . 

Seventeen  

. . . 1368-1643 

CH'ING  (TS'ING)  MANCHU 
DYNASTY 

Ten 

1644-I9II 

REPUBLIC 

EMPERORS  OF  THE  TA  MING  (“Great  Bright”)  DYNASTY 

Dynastic  Title 

Title  of  Reign 

Date  of 

End  of 

(Miao  Hua) 

(Nien  Hao) 

Accession 

Reign 

T'ai  Tsu  . 

Hung  Wu  (“Wonderful  Bravery”)  . 

. A.D.  1368 

A.D.  1398 

Hui  Ti  . . . 

Chien  Wen  (“Founder  of  Literature”)  . 

1399 

1402 

Ch'eng  Tsu  . 

Yung  Lo  (“Eternal  Joy”) 

1403 

I424 

Yen  Tsung 

Hung  Hsi  (“Abounding  Glory”)  .... 

1425 

1425 

Hsuan  Tsung 

Hsuan  Te  (“All-pervading  Virtue”)  . 

1426 

1435 

Ying  Tsung  . 

Cheng  T'ung  (“Correct  Ruler”)  .... 

1436 

1449 

Ching  Ti  . 

Ching  T'ai  (“Great  Brilliancy”)  .... 

1450 

1456 

Ying  Tsung  (re- 

sumed  government) 

T'ien  Shun  (“Obedient  to  Heaven”) 

1457 

I464 

Hsien  Tsung  . 

Ch'eng  Hua  (“Perfected  Influence”)  . 

1465 

1487 

Hsiao  Tsung  . 

Hung  Chih  (“Marvellous  Administration”) 

1488 

1505 

Wu  Tsung 

Cheng  Te  (“Correct  Virtue”)  .... 

1506 

1521 

Shih  Tsung  . 

Chia  Ching  (“Rejoicing  in  Purity”)  . 

1522 

1566 

Mu  Tsung 

Lung  Ch'ing  (“Eminent  Excellence”) 

1567 

1572 

Shen  Tsung  . 

Wan  Li  (“Ten  Thousand  Generations”)  . 

1573 

1619 

Kuang  Tsung 

T'ai  Ch'ang  (“Great  Abundance”) 

1620 

1620 

Hsi  Tsung 

T'ien  Ch'i  (“Heaven-born”) 

l62I 

1627 

Chuang  Lieh  Ti  . 

Ch'ung  Chen  (“Great  Luxuriance”) 

1628 

1643 

1 Between  the  overthrow  of  the  T'ang  Dynasty  and  the  rise  of  the  Mongol  power,  early  in  the  thir- 
teenth century,  great  portions  of  northern  China  were  ruled  over  by  the  following  Tartar  dynasties:  Liao 
(Khitan  Tartars),  907-1125;  Western  Liao,  1125-1168;  Chin  (Juchen  Tartars),  1115-1234. 

[XVI] 


EMPERORS  OF  THE  TA  CH'ING  (“Great  Pure”)  DYNASTY 


Dynastic  Title 
(Miao  Hua) 

Title  of  Reign 
(Nien  Hao) 

Date  of 
Accession 

End  of 
Reign 

Shih  Tsu  . 

Shun  Chih  (“Original  Obedience”)  . 

. A.D.  1644  A.D 

l66l 

Sheng  Tsu 

K'ang  Hsi  (“Vigorous  Glory”)  .... 

1662 

1722 

Shih  Tsung  . 

Yung  Ch'eng  (“Concord  and  Uprightness”) 

1723 

1735 

Kao  Tsung 

Ch'ien  Lung  (“Untiring  and  Exalted”)  . 

1736 

1795 

Jen  Tsung 

Chia  Ch'ng  (“Rejoicing  and  Excellence”) 

1796 

1820 

Hsuan  Tsung 

Tao  Kuang  (“Truth  and  Light”) 

l82I 

1850 

Wen  Tsung  . 

Hsien  Feng  (“Universal  Prosperity”) 

1851 

l86l 

Mu  Tsung 

T'ung  Chih  (“Perfect  Ruler”)  .... 

1862 

1874 

Te  Tsung  . 

Kuang  Hsu  (“Overpowering  Light”) 

1875 

1908 

P'u  Yi  . . . . 

Hsuan  Tung  (“Excellent”) 

1909 

1912 

REPUBLICAN  PERIOD 

Date  of 
Accession 

End  of 
Rule 

Yuan-Shi-Kai 

President 

1912 

1915 

Li  Yuan-hung 

President 

1915 

1917 

Feng  Kwo-ching  . 

President 

1917 

I9l8 

Hsu  Shih-chang  . 

President 

I9l8 

C XVII 3 


% 


GROUP  OF 

TA  CH'ING  DYNASTY  PORCELAINS 


No.  1.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Size  Vase 

GRACEFUL  gallipot  (mei  p'ing)  shape,  with  small  neck,  showing 
floral  details  together  with  a rich  flower  brocaded  lambrequin  border, 
carefully  rendered  in  famille  verte  colours  on  white  ground.  Capped  by  a 
carved  teak- wood  cover  with  jadeite  ornament. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  7 inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  2.  Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Vases 

GRACEFUL  baluster  shapes,  with  short  tubular  necks;  in  brilliant 
famille  verte  decoration,  presenting  a pair  of  phoenix  (feng  huang) 
birds  among  flowering  plants  and  peony  trees  with  rockeries.  The  reverse 
sides  include  the  suggestion  of  a lotus  pond  with  ducks,  while  flying  cranes 
and  other  birds  appear  above.  The  necks  are  encircled  by  varied  borders, 
all  beautifully  executed,  including  a band  of  red  and  green  flowered  brocad- 
ing; the  widest  band  displaying  a series  of  fanciful  dragon  crests  posed 
against  a lattice  diaper  background.  Ornate  descending  palm  leaves  en- 
circle the  expanding  bases.  Capped  by  carved  teak-wood  covers  with  coral 
buttons. 

From  the  H.  G.  Squiers  Collection. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  12*4  inches  Diameter,  7 % inches 

Plate  I 


No.  3.  Pair  of  Small  Famille  Verte  Jars 

OVOID  shapes;  with  rich  seven-colour  (yingts'ai)  decoration, displaying 
floral  motifs  that  include  rouge-de-fer  mu-tan  peonies  and  other  flower- 
ing plants  surrounded  by  hovering  insects.  The  overglaze  painting  is  freely 
disposed  over  the  pellucid  white  ground  in  typical  famille  verte  genre. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  5^2  inches 


Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  4.  Famille  Verte  Porcelain  Vase 

OVIFORM  shape;  with  wide  flaring  neck  and  everted  base.  An  impos- 
ing figure  decoration  is  presented  with  Lao-tzu,  the  Taoist  philosopher, 
who  is  seated  on  an  open  rustic  table,  in  discourse  with  two  court  officials 
while  attendants  stand  by.  The  overglaze  famille  verte  colours  on  pellucid 
white  ground,  including  black  enamel  of  lustrous  quality.  Bears  an  apoc- 
ryphal six-character  mark  of  the  Ch'eng  Hua  period — ascribable  to  the  era 
of  K'ang  Hsi. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  143/2  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 

Plate  I 


No.  5.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Vase 

SMALL  club  shape;  of  famille  verte  genre,  presenting  a warrior,  with 
bow,  who  is  about  to  shoot  an  arrow  at  a horseman  who  rides  with  his 
banner-bearer:  illustrating  an  episode  of  the  feudal  times.  The  shoulder 
displays  a green  brocaded  and  flowered  border,  while  the  white  everted  neck 
sustains  red  flowers  and  black  bamboo  motifs. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  10  inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  6.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Vase 

SMALL  club  shape;  with  famille  verte  decoration  on  the  pellucid  white 
ground,  depicting  a Taoist  female,  either  Mao  Nii  or  Lan  Ts'ai-ho,  clad 
partly  in  skins  and  green  jacket,  carrying  a small  hoe  and  twig  of  fruit.  A 
traveller  appears  to  be  offering  a peach  to  her  for  acceptance  as  a favoured 
mortal.  The  decoration  is  completed  at  the  shoulder  by  a border  of  red  and 
aubergine  blossoms,  while  its  neck  sustains  simple  black  bamboo  shoots. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  7 24  inches  Diameter,  334  inches 


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No.  7.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Vase 

SMALL  club  shape;  with  figure  decoration  depicting  an  official,  or  kuan 
fu,  in  blue  and  green  upper  garments  of  an  early  period,  who  is  attended 
by  a youth  with  a gourd  bottle  athwart  his  back.  The  details  include  a red 
sun  disc  and  dragon-headed  emblem,  indicating  advancement.  Trees  and 
rockeries  complete  the  reverse  side,  while  varied  bands  encircle  the  neck  and 
shoulder.  Underneath,  the  foot  bears  a ring  mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  8 inches  Diameter,  3^  inches 


No.  8.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Vase 

SMALL  club  shape;  decorated  in  famille  verte  colours.  Its  design  in- 
cludes the  graceful  figure  of  a lady  with  fan,  accompanied  by  a youth  to 
whom  she  offers  a flower.  The  accessories  show  a garden  bench  and  stand ; 
above  these,  the  red  sun  disc  indicates  high  noon.  All  is  cleverly  rendered 
in  translucent  enamel  colours  against  the  white  body.  A poetic  inscription 
in  two  lines,  applying  to  the  beauty  of  the  maiden,  completes  the  decoration. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  7^4  inches  Diameter,  3J4  inches 


No.  9.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Vase 

SMALL  club  shape,  with  figure  decoration  presenting  a noble,  with  tablet, 
who  is  about  to  worship  his  ancestors.  He  is  accompanied  by  a fan- 
bearer.  Still  another  attendant  bears  a vase  with  flowers.  The  accessories 
include  a garden  terrace,  table,  and  bench;  the  shoulder  is  bordered  by  a 
green  diapered  brocading  and  four  floral  vignettes,  while  its  everted  white 
neck  is  finished  with  simple  sprays  of  black  bamboo. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  10  inches 


Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  10.  Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Jars 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  gallipot  shapes,  with  short  necks.  The  famille 
verte  decoration,  on  white  ground,  presents  a domestic  scene  that  in- 
cludes a young  noble,  with  an  attendant  fan-bearer,  awaiting  the  arrival  of 
a high-caste  lady  who  is  borne  on  clouds  toward  him  with  her  infant,  accom- 
panied by  a fairy  fan-bearer. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  8 inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


No.  11.  Famille  Verte  Ginger  Jar 

OVOID  shape,  with  overglaze  decoration  in  varied  colours  of  its  class, 
presenting  a scalloped  lambrequin  motif,  with  a ground  of  coral- 
red  “honeycomb”  pattern,  relieved  by  circular  white  reserves  that  hold 
lizard-like  dragons.  The  neck  is  bordered  by  a green  diaper  brocading, 
interrupted  by  four  emblem-bearing  vignettes,  while  the  foot  is  finished  by 
a balustrade  design  with  tall  aubergine  stands  for  chimaera  figures. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  8^4  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  12.  Set  of  Eight  Sweetmeat  or  Confection  Trays 

RADIAL  wedge-like  forms.  The  famille  verte  decoration,  on  pale  white 
glazed  grounds,  depicts  garden  terraces  occupied  by  two  ladies;  the 
details,  including  palms  and  rockeries,  are  encircled  by  a lotus  flower  and 
small  scrolled  borders  including  green  and  neutral  purple  tints.  The  upper 
edges  show  a simple  green  fret  pattern.  The  eight  dishes  form  a perfect 
circle  when  placed  together. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Diameter,  14  inches 


No.  13.  Set  of  Eight  Famille  Verte  Confection  Trays 

I IKE  the  preceding,  the  fanciful  forms  together  represent  a complete 
circle.  The  three-colour  decoration  sur  biscuit  (san-ts'ai)  includes  the 
emblematic  plum  tree  (mei  hua)  and  birds  on  green  ground,  alternately 
with  gift  objects  and  mandarin  emblems  on  yellow  ground.  The  upper 
edges  are  bordered  in  pale  green  and  involve  blossoms  of  the  mei  tree. 

Date:  Early  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  18  inches 


No.  14.  Famille  Verte  Bowl 

SHALLOW  t'ang  wan  shape;  the  decoration  in  translucent  overglaze 
colours  depicts  a court  lady  in  yellow  and  blue  attire,  seated  on  a garden 
rockery  and  attended  by  a boy  who  offers  a flower  to  her.  The  border,  with 
flowered  honeycomb  brocading,  is  interrupted  by  four  floral  vignettes. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  5^2  inches 


No.  15.  Similar  Shallow  Bowl 

COMPANION  to  the  preceding,  its  decoration  in  typical  overglaze 
colours  presents  chrysanthemum  and  aster  flowers,  together  with  a bird ; 
the  panel  also  holds  an  artist’s  seal.  The  green  brocaded  border  is  inter- 
rupted by  four  white  vignettes  that  hold  the  paraphernalia  of  the  “four 
elegant  accomplishments” : music,  checkers,  writing,  and  painting. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Diameter,  5%  inches 


No.  16.  Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Vases 

GRACEFUL  low  baluster  shapes,  with  pyriform  bodies  and  everted 
necks;  the  decoration  in  famille  verte  genre  uniformly  presenting 
opulent  flowering  plants,  among  which  appear  rouge-de-fer  mu-tan  peonies, 
lotus  blossoms,  and  other  buds  in  purple,  aubergine,  yellow,  and  on-glaze 
amaranth-blue,  freely  posed  against  the  pellucid  white  ground.  A flying 
yellow-breasted  bird  appears  above  the  flowers  and  finishes  the  redolent 
composition,  together  with  varied  floral  bands  and  sprays.  They  bear  blue 
ring  marks. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  8 inches  Diameter,  3 y2  inches 

Plate  II 


No.  17.  Famille  Verte  Plate 

MEDIUM  deep  shape,  with  floral  decoration  in  translucent  famille 
verte  enamels  presenting  a circular  green  lotus-flowered  panel  with 
a semi-nude  Buddhist  infant  holding  a stem  of  the  sacred  flower.  The  rim 
border  is  composed  of  contiguous  forms  of  coin  devices.  Bears  a ting,  or 
four-legged  incense-burner  mark. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  8 inches 

Plate  II 


No.  18.  Two  Famille  Verte  Plates 

MEDIUM  deep  shapes,  the  overglaze  decoration  in  varied  translucent 
colours  including  a circular  panel  with  floral  motifs  on  yellow 
ground,  framed  by  a narrow  band  of  mei  blossoms  and  surrounded  by  four 
separate  flower  sprays.  The  rim  shows  a narrow  coral-red  and  white 
floriated  border.  Reverse  panels  bear  tripod  emblem  marks. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Diameter,  8 inches 


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No.  22.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Jar 

OyOID  shape,  with  small  neck.  Painted  in  translucent  famille  verte 
colours,  the  decoration  on  white  ground  depicts  a lady  who  is  serving 
refreshments  to  a visiting  green-coated  mandarin;  the  accessories  including 
a table  and  two  garden  seats  with  palms  and  rockery,  while  the  shoulder  is 
bordered  with  a red  hawthorn  pattern  on  green  ground. 

Date:  Late  XVII  century;  Height,  6y2  inches  Diameter,  3^2  inches 

era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


No.  23.  Famille  Verte  Wine  Jar 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  neck.  The  overglaze 
decoration  in  famille  verte  colours  includes  a series  of  four  circular 
medallions  with  floral  details,  posed  against  a green  and  aubergine  diapered 
foundation  in  honeycomb  pattern,  with  coral-red  flowering.  The  shoulder 
sustains  a double  border  in  lanceolated  design  involving  floral  sprays  to- 
gether with  supplementary  lappets  that  appear  in  reversed  form  below, 
joined  to  a bordering  of  gadroons. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  11^2  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  24.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Vase 

SLENDER  beaker  shape  (ku  p'ing) , with  flaring  neck  and  expanded  foot. 

The  overglaze  famille  verte  decoration  on  white  ground  presents  iso- 
lated floral  sprays  on  the  middle  and  lower  segments,  separated  by  narrow 
green  brocaded  and  coral-red  herring-bone  bands.  The  everted  neck  is 
richly  painted  with  a flowering  peony  tree,  rockeries,  and  pheasant,  supple- 
mented by  small  flying  birds.  Bears  a blue  ring  mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  9^2  inches  Diameter,  4%  inches 


No.  25.  Famille  Verte  Lotus-flower  Vase 

Chih  cK ui  p'ing 

CLUB  shape,  with  a rouleau  contour  and  mortar-like  neck,  the  brilliant 
lotus-flower  decoration  in  overglaze  colours  (ying  ts'ai)  of  the  famille 
verte  palette  depicting  large  nelumbium  flowers  in  rouge  de  fer,  together 
with  seed  pods  and  cognate  green  peltate  leafage  growing  in  shallow  water 
amid  other  aquatic  plants  which  have  attracted  a red-breasted  bird  and  but- 
terflies. The  tubular  neck  displays  a flowering  bough  with  a bird  and  rock 
motif,  while  the  shoulder,  with  a brocaded  border,  includes  four  vignettes 
depicting  small  bird  subjects.  The  base  is  surrounded  by  a simple  waved 
suggestion  of  a lotus  pond,  and,  underneath,  the  foot  bears  a blue  double 
ring  mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  i8j4  inches  Diameter,  inches 

Plate  111 


No.  26.  Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Cornet  Vases 

TALL  beaker  shapes  (hua  ku  p'ing),  with  spreading  necks  and  everted 
bases,  painted  in  rich  overglaze  colours,  with  a lustrous  coral-red 
(rouge  de  fer)  the  dominating  note.  The  well  distributed  decoration  on 
white  ground  involves  aubergine,  blue,  and  yellow  mu-tan  peony  flowers 
posed  amid  deep-blue  underglaze  scrolling  stems  with  green  foliage.  The 
flaring  neck  sustains  the  same  floral  designs,  surrounded  at  its  base  by  a red 
herring-bone  border.  Bears  the  private  mark  of  a former  mandarin  owner 
underneath. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  18 ^4  inches  Diameter,  Sy2  inches 


Cn3 


Plate  III 


No.  27.  Imperial  Famille  Verte  Vase 

With  rouge-de-fer  foundation 

TALL  rouleau  club  shape,  with  short  tubular  neck  and  everted  lip.  Its 
overglaze  painting,  in  famille  verte  colours,  against  a coral-red  “fish- 
roe”  brocading,  presents  eight  multicoloured  phoenix  or  feng  huang  birds 
(emblems  of  the  empress),  freely  posed  amid  symbols  of  good  augury  and 
small  cloud  patches.  These  propitious  details  are  enclosed  by  yellow  scal- 
loped bordering  at  the  base  and  shoulder,  in  which  are  displayed  varied 
floral  devices,  together  with  a conventional  latticed  band  that  is  interrupted 
by  yellow  dragon  vignettes.  The  coral-red  brocading  on  its  neck  is  carried 
to  the  upper  rim.  Underneath,  the  white  glazed  foot  sustains  a blue  ring 
mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17^4  inches  Diameter,  7%  inches 


No.  28.  Large  Famille  Verte  Palace  Jar 

BULBOUS  oviform,  with  high  rounded  shoulder  and  short  neck.  Its 
overglaze  decoration  in  famille  verte  genre  presents  the  san  kuo  or 
“three-fruit”  motifs,  which  comprehend  the  peach,  the  pomegranate,  and  the 
“hand  of  Buddha”  citron,  symbolically  signifying  “Three  Abundances,”  in 
years,  sons,  and  happiness  in  promotion.  Among  these  appear  wild  plum 
(mei  hua)  and  smaller  fruits  to  finish  the  details  of  good  omen.  The  neck 
sustains  other  flowers,  like  the  lotus  and  mu-tan,  with  foliage.  Has  a carved 
teak-wood  cover  with  jade  dragon  ornament. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  19)4  inches  Diameter,  14  inches 


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No.  29.  Famille  Verte  Temple  Jar 

With  original  cover 


HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  usual  short  neck.  Its  elaborate 
decoration  in  typical  famille  verte  genre  is  composed  with  a deep 
descending  lambrequin  motif,  filled  in  with  green  rinceau  brocading  amid 
which  are  shown  coral-red,  amber-yellow,  and  aubergine  lizard-like 
dragons,  alternating  with  amaranth-blue  and  coral-red  lotus  flowers.  The 
reciprocal  white  ground  below  alternately  displays  four  shou  characters  of 
longevity  and  lotus  flowers.  These  central  and  major  designs  are  supple- 
mented by  appropriate  shoulder  and  base  borderings.  A blue  ring  mark 
appears  on  the  panel  underneath. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  14  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  9 y2  inches 


No.  30.  Famille  Verte  Beaker-shaped  Vase 

OVIFORM  (hua  p'ing),  with  flaring  neck;  the  typical  famille  verte 
(ying  ts'ai)  decoration  in  overglaze  colours  on  white  ground  including 
the  K'ang  Hsi  green,  manganese-purple,  amber-yellow,  and  coral-red  to- 
gether with  amaranth-blue.  On  opposite  sides,  the  painting  presents 
phoenix  birds  (feng  huang)  amid  red  peony  and  other  flowering  trees  with 
amaranth-blue  buds,  purple  branches,  and  green  foliage.  The  white  cylin- 
drical neck  is  decorated  with  similar  phoenix  birds  and  flowers;  a narrow 
band  encircles  the  shoulder,  while  a bordering  of  red  and  green  lancet-like 
petals  finishes  the  base. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  18  inches  Diameter,  8%.  inches 


No.  31.  Rare  Black  Hawthorn  Vase 

Famille  noire 

TALL  and  graceful  oviform  shape,  with  high  rounded  shoulder  and 
short  silver-mounted  neck.  Invested  with  a lustrous  black  surface 
enamelling  of  even  quality  and  perfect  technique,  and  bearing  a reserved 
prunus  (mei  hua)  tree  design  that  is  freely  rendered  with  its  blossoms  care- 
fully picked  out  in  translucent  famille  verte  colours.  The  knurled  and 
leafless  aged  trees,  in  neutral  manganese  purple,  emerge  amid  young  bamboo 
shoots  from  the  rim  of  the  base,  close  to  angular  moss-covered  rockeries, 
from  which  the  tree  trunks  extend  upward  and  into  the  neck.  The  spread- 
ing green  and  purplish  boughs  bear  white  and  amaranth-blue  blossoms  with 
yellow  corollas,  which  have  attracted  white  and  yellow  breasted  swallows 
and  other  birds.  A thin  white  glazing,  sur  biscuit,  underneath  the  foot, 
includes  a blue  six-character  (Ch'eng  Hua)  mark  within  a double  ring, 
quasi-complimentary  and  ascribable  to  the  K'ang  Hsi  period.  Great  Ch'ing 
dynasty.  A rare  example  of  its  class  and  provenance. 

Date:  1662-1722  Height,  19*4  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 

Plate  IV 


[143 


No.  32.  Tall  Famille  Noire  Vase 

With  black  foundation 

GRACEFUL  oviform  body,  with  high  rounded  shoulders  and  short 
silver-mounted  neck.  Hard-textured  porcelain  of  the  K'ang  Hsi 
period,  with  brilliant  black  enamelled  surface  sustaining  a characteristic 
floral  and  bird  decoration  of  the  “black  hawthorn”  variety,  picked  out  in 
translucent  famille  verte  colours.  The  freely  rendered  embellishment  in- 
cludes magnolia,  peony,  and  plum  trees,  whose  purplish-aubergine  stems 
bear  large  white,  yellow,  and  light  aubergine  flowers  amid  green  foliage. 
A yellow-breasted  feng  huang  or  argus  pheasant  is  depicted  among  the 
symbolical  flowering  plants,  perched  on  a high  ledge  of  moss-green  rocks ; 
hovering  song  birds  and  flitting  butterflies  complete  the  opulent  design.  A 
fanciful  silver  mounting  finishes  the  short  ground-off  neck,  and  the  char- 
acteristic thinly  glazed  biscuit  foot  underneath  bears  a six-character  Ch'eng 
Hua  mark,  quasi-complimentary  and  ascribable  to  the  K'ang  Hsi  period. 
Great  Ch'ing  dynasty.  Like  its  companion,  a rare  example. 

Date:  1662-1722  Height,  19  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 

Plate  IV 


No.  33.  Famille  Verte  Jardiniere 

With  or-molu  base 

HEXAGONAL  shape,  with  sunken  picture  panels  in  fanciful  foliated 
forms  that  are  separately  painted  with  Taoist  Rishi,  among  whom 
appear  Chang  chiu-ko,  the  magician,  who  cuts  his  garments  into  fragments 
to  see  them  turned  into  butterflies ; Li,  the  poet,  gazing  at  a mountain  cascade 
in  poetic  fervour;  the  Flower  Fairy  and  patron  of  gardeners,  appearing  with 
a hoe;  the  Rishi,  Feng  Ken,  pictured  with  a white  deer;  and  a sage  seated 
in  deep  meditation.  The  panels  are  surrounded  by  blue  outlines  and  a red 
diapered  brocading,  while  the  upper  rim  is  finished  by  a brocaded  border 
with  floral  vignettes.  The  base,  with  piercing,  includes  a gadroon  border. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  10  inches 


Diameter,  14  inches 


No.  34-  Large  Famille  Verte  Plate 

CIRCULAR,  medium  deep  shape,  with  rich  overglaze  painting  on  white 
ground,  in  varied  colours  of  the  famille  verte  (ying  ts'ai)  genre,  pre- 
senting a peony  flower  and  bird  panel.  Framed  by  a rich  floral  brocaded 
border  that  involves  four  vignettes  with  insects,  while  the  projecting  rim  is 
finished  by  an  ornate  red  and  gold  gadroon  band.  Its  reverse  border  sus- 
tains three  isolated  floral  sprays,  and  the  panel  underneath  bears  a blue 
ring  mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  13  inches 


No.  35.  Tall  Decorated  Famille  Verte  Vase 

Chih  cKui  p'irig 

THE  so-called  rouleau  or  club  shape,  presenting  a spirited  historical 
figure  decoration  in  translucent  overglaze  colours  of  the  famille  verte 
genre.  No  less  remarkable  for  its  wealth  of  detail  than  for  its  delicate 
rendering.  The  obverse  side  depicts  the  interior  of  a stately  pavilion,  with 
tessellated  floor,  occupied  by  a high  official  or  war  lord  (like  Kuan  yii,  of 
the  Han  dynasty),  who  is  seated  at  a writing  table  surrounded  by  his 
retinue,  warriors  and  attendant  bearers  of  state  fans.  Other  figures  appear 
to  the  right  and  left  of  the  audience  pavilion,  awaiting  their  turn.  A large 
wind-screen  in  the  background  depicts  a landscape  subject,  and  this,  with 
draperies  and  tortoise-shell  coloured  balustrades  in  the  foreground,  con- 
cludes the  decorative  accessories  of  the  composition,  so  admirably  rendered 
in  translucent  enamels.  The  shoulder  decoration  displays  a rich  green 
brocaded  border  with  three  yellow  and  red  dragons,  or  ch'ih-lung,  while 
the  brocaded  neck  sustains  two  miniature  picture  panels  with  floral  twigs 
and  birds,  finely  painted.  A remarkable  example  of  its  class. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  18  inches  Diameter,  7 y2  inches 


D6] 


Plate  V 


Plate  V 

yen 


No.  35 
Tall 

Decorated  Famille  Verte 
Vase 


No.  36.  Tall  Famille  Verte  Palace  Jar 

OVIFORM  contour,  with  rounded  shoulder  meeting  the  attenuated  short 
neck.  Sonorous  porcelain,  which  agreeably  sustains  a rare  seven- 
colour  (ying  ts'ai)  decoration;  dominated  by  deep  underglaze  cobalt-blue 
and  translucent  on-glaze  greens,  a la  famille  verte,  peculiar  to  the  K'ang  Hsi 
period.  The  painting  involves  various  floral  sprays,  yellow-breasted  birds, 
and  insects,  and  includes  mu-tan  peony  blossoms,  freely  done  in  yellow, 
aubergine,  and  green,  amid  scrolling  blue  leaf-bearing  stems.  The  shoulder 
is  encircled  by  a blue  border  showing  aubergine,  green,  and  yellow  chrysan- 
themum flowers,  together  with  white  lanceolations,  while  the  base  is  sur- 
rounded by  a vertical  petalled  palmation  in  kindred  colours.  The  foot 
underneath  is  in  biscuit  state.  Has  teak-wood  cover  with  jade  dragon  knob. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  19  inches  Diameter,  14  inches 


No.  37.  Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Vases 

PRESENTING  high-shouldered  oviform  bodies  with  flaring  necks; 

decorated  in  enamel  colours  of  the  famille  verte  palette,  together  with 
a brilliant  cobalt-blue  underglaze  for  which  these  examples  are  especially 
distinguished.  Ceremonial  subjects  are  depicted,  such  as  an  empress  receiv- 
ing a person  of  distinction,  attended  by  bearers  of  state  fans.  The  acces- 
sories include  interior  of  pavilion,  with  a p'ing  fong,  or  wind-screen,  behind 
the  sovereign  lady;  palm  trees,  flowers,  and  garden  rockeries  completing 
the  rich  ensemble.  The  necks  are  decorated  with  court  personages,  while 
the  shoulders  display  flowered  bands  with  vignettes  that  enclose  seaweeds 
and  crabs. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  18  inches 


Diameter,  8 $4  inches 


No.  38.  Square  Famille  Verte  Vase 

TALL  quadrangular  shape,  with  tubular  teak-wood  neck,  replacing  the 
original  injured  porcelain.  The  decoration,  painted  in  brilliant 
enamel  colours  of  the  famille  verte  palette,  presents  a series  of  twelve  panels 
arranged  in  three  tiers,  one  above  the  other,  in  circular,  square,  and  leaf 
forms;  each  holding  a distant  subject,  posed  against  a white  foundation  that 
is  decorated  with  red  lotus  flowers  and  green  scrolls.  The  upper  panels  show 
flowering  plants,  deer,  and  carp;  the  middle  row  sustains  flowers  and  land- 
scapes, while  the  third  displays  an  eagle,  ch'i-lin,  fish  and  bird  subjects. 
Green  and  red  lotus  details  finish  the  shoulder.  The  neck  of  teak-wood 
sustains  silver  inlaid  ornament,  and  the  panel  underneath  bears  a blue  leaf 
mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  19  inches  Diameter,  6%  inches 


No.  39.  Large  Famille  Verte  Palace  Jar 

With  original  cover 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform  rounding  into  a broad-apertured 
neck.  The  resonant  hard  white  porcelain  sustains  an  extensive  over- 
glaze decoration  in  typical  enamel  colours  of  the  famille  verte  (ying  ts'ai) 
variety,  dominated  by  translucent  greens.  The  details  show  a series  of 
overlapping  picture  panels,  arranged  in  three  successive  tiers;  these,  with 
landscape  settings,  separately  depict  fabulous  animals,  chiefly  drawn  from 
mythological  zoology,  and  introduced  alternately  with  flowering  plants, 
birds,  and  butterflies.  This  felicitous  decoration  is  completed  with  flower- 
brocaded  and  other  border  motifs  at  the  neck.  The  cover,  with  knob,  is  deco- 
rated en  suite. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  19 inches  Diameter,  14  inches 


C18] 


Phti  VI 


Plate  VI 

7J) 


No.  39 


Large 

Famille  Verte 
Palace  Jar 


No.  40.  Famille  Verte  Cabinet  Beaker 

CORNET  shape  (hua  ku  p ing),  with  flaring  neck  and  expanded  foot. 

The  famille  verte  decoration,  on  a pellucid  white  ground,  presents 
floral  motifs  in  emerald-green,  coral-red  (rouge  de  fer),  and  amber-yellow. 
In  detail,  the  neck  is  invested  with  chrysanthemum  flowers  and  a bird,  while 
the  ovate  middle  section  sustains  peony  flowers,  followed  at  the  base  with 
lotus  plants  in  kindred  colours.  Bears  a blue  double  ring  mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  8 inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  41.  Stately  Famille  Verte  Vase 

TALL  baluster  shape,  with  receding  shoulder  and  everted  neck.  Its 
characteristic  overglaze  decoration,  in  coral-red  (rouge  de  fer), 
aubergine-purple,  amber-yellow,  K'ang  Hsi  green,  and  black,  depicts  do- 
mestic scenes  that  comprehend  varied  groups  of  literary  and  other  ladies 
occupied  in  their  pastimes,  or  “four  subjects  of  study”  (poetry,  history, 
music,  and  checkers),  surrounded  by  attendants  with  their  books,  indicating 
culture  and  certain  rank.  The  accessories  include  garden  views,  balustrades, 
palm  trees,  and  rockeries,  while  the  neck,  painted  in  kindred  colours,  sustains 
a panoramic  landscape  and  the  shoulder  a brocaded  border  with  small 
medallions. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17^2  inches  Diameter,  7%  inches 


Plate  VII 


No.  42.  Tall  Famille  Verte  Vase 


ROULEAU  or  club  shape  rounding  into  a short  cylindrical  neck.  The 
resonant  white  porcelain  sustains  an  extensive  decoration  in  typical 
overglaze  colours  of  the  famille  verte  (ying  ts'ai)  variety,  dominated  by 
translucent  greens.  The  details  on  reverse  side  show  a summer  pavilion, 
hills,  and  trees,  while  the  obverse  side  consists  of  a reunion  of  scholars  and 
scenes  illustrative  of  the  elegant  accomplishments,  like  music  (ch'in),  check- 
ers (ch'i),  and  painting  (hua).  The  shoulder  carries  a brocaded  border 
interrupted  by  dragon  crests,  and  the  neck,  encircled  by  a miniature 
panoramic  landscape,  includes  boatmen.  Underneath,  the  foot  bears  a ring 


MOTHER  tall  club  shape,  with  everted  neck,  decorated  with  ceremonial 


court  subjects  in  translucent  enamels  of  the  famille  verte  variety.  A 
stately  room  is  filled  with  varied  accessories  and  personages  in  court  attire, 
including  an  emperor  of  an  early  dynasty,  surrounded  by  numerous  digni- 
taries of  his  court,  together  with  the  empress,  who  stands  at  his  side,  attended 
by  fan-bearers,  while  ministers  or  envoys  are  being  received.  A table  is 
posed  in  the  background  with  rocks,  beyond  which  appears  a painted  screen 
with  sea  waves ; the  other  details  comprehend  a tessellated  floor  and  palm 
trees.  The  shoulder,  like  the  neck,  is  surrounded  by  a green  brocaded  border 
with  four  white  vignettes  that  represent  the  so-called  “hundred  antiques.” 
Bears  a ring  mark  underneath  the  foot. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17^2  inches  Diameter,  7^  inches 


mark. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  17^2  inches 


Diameter,  7 inches 
Plate  VII 


No.  43.  Famille  Verte  Porcelain  Vase 


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No.  44.  Famille  Verte  Jardiniere 

IOW  oval  shape,  raised  on  small  mask-ornamented  feet  and  with  two 
red  and  white  decorated  handles.  Hard-paste  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty 
porcelain;  the  exterior,  with  white  foundation,  shows  prunus  trees  and  red- 
breasted birds,  together  with  a flowered  border,  in  rich  colours  of  the  famille 
verte  palette.  The  interior  decoration  in  kindred  colours  sustains  a prunus 
(mei)  tree  panel  together  with  birds. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  inches  Width,  iit/2  x 8%  inches 


No.  45.  Famille  Verte  Jardiniere 

SIMILAR  oval  form,  used  for  growing  water-lilies  or  for  keeping  gold- 
fish. Its  exterior  decoration  presents  the  “four  season  flowers,”  while 
the  interior  sustains  double  borders  with  brocading  and  butterfly  vignettes 
beside  a row  of  storks.  The  flat  bottom  panel  shows  fir  and  prunus  trees,  exe- 
cuted in  famille  verte  colours  on  white  ground. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  4 inches 


Width,  iil/2  x8%  inches 


No.  46.  Noble  Famille  Verte  Palace  Vase 

The  “hundred  boy”  vase 

TALL  beaker  or  yen-yen  shape,  gracefully  expanding  to  two-thirds  of 
its  height,  with  contracted  shoulder  and  wide  flaring  neck.  The 
spirited  figure  composition,  in  translucent  famille  verte  colours,  depicts  a 
panoramic  scene  with  lotus  pond  and  Imperial  garden  occupied  by  playing 
boys.  The  interior  of  a summer  pavilion  and  the  roofs  of  buildings  are 
included  by  the  curious  license  of  Chinese  artists.  Much  delicacy  is  shown 
in  the  application  of  the  several  translucent  enamel  colours,  in  which  the 
distinctive  greens  of  the  K'ang  Hsi  period  predominate. 

The  details  present  at  least  fifty  children  in  various  groups  at  play  or 
intellectual  amusements;  perhaps  the  chief  centre  of  attraction  is  the  pro- 
cession with  boys  in  an  ancient  wheel-cart  (chi)  headed  by  the  bearers  of  a 
fanciful  lantern  and  lotus  leaf.  The  shoulder  is  encircled  by  brocaded  and 
other  borders,  while  the  neck  displays  more  boys  in  a garden  terrace  with 
trees.  The  foot,  underneath,  bears  an  interesting  inscription  pricked  in  the 
glaze  with  a steel  tool  by  a former  owner,  reading:  “Additional  purchase 
made  on  an  auspicious  day  in  the  first  month  of  the  year  1787.” 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  28^  inches  Diameter,  11  inches 

Plate  VIII 


No.  47.  Two  Famille  Verte  Plates 

MEDIUM  shallow  shapes,  fine  hard-paste  porcelain,  with  flower  and 
bird  decoration  painted  in  light  translucent  famille  verte  colours. 
The  borders  present  diaper  patterns  interrupted  by  peony  flower  medallions. 
Underneath,  the  panels  bear  blue  “studio”  marks  within  double  rings. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Diameter,  10^2  inches 


Plate  VIII 


No.  4 6 
Noble 

Famille  Verte 
Palace  Vase 


No.  48.  Famille  Verte  Plate 

MEDIUM  shallow  shape;  fine  hard-paste  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain, 
the  decoration  in  overglaze  colours  presenting  a central  panel  with 
landscape  and  fishermen,  surrounded  by  a lattice  brocaded  border  inter- 
rupted by  four  white  vignettes  holding  miniature  landscape  subjects. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  9%  inches 


No.  49.  Famille  Verte  Warrior  Vase 

Wu  f in  g p'ing 

CYLINDRICAL  club  shape,  or  chih  ch'ui  p'ing,  showing  an  “orange 
peel”  (chu  p'i  wen)  surface  under  the  vitreous  glaze.  The  boldly 
raised  ornamentation,  with  figures  in  rich  famille  verte  enamel  colours  with 
slight  touches  of  gold,  depicts  a legendary  battle  scene  from  one  of  the  early 
Chinese  romances.  A banner-man  carries  an  Imperial  pei-chi  emblazoned 
with  the  mystic  yang-yin  emblem  of  duality  as  he  rides,  seated  on  a dappled 
horse,  behind  the  royal  hero  Ch'eng  T'ang,  who  holds  his  spear  ready  for  a 
charge  against  the  tryant  Kieh  (about  1767  B.C.),  who,  also  mounted  and 
armed  with  a sword,  is  retreating  over  an  arched  bridge.  The  accessories 
include  indications  of  a river,  trees,  and  a rocky  foreground,  while  painted 
borders  in  gadroon  and  brocaded  designs  finish  the  base  and  shoulder  and 
various  coloured  emblems  encircle  the  white  neck. 

Date : Late  K'ang  Hsi  period  Height,  17^  inches  Diameter,  6*4  inches 


L23] 


Plate  IX 


No.  50.  Pair  of  Famille  Verte  Beakers 

Shuang  ku 

COMPANION  pieces  to  the  preceding.  Tall  cornet  shapes,  depicting 
domestic  scenes,  with  boldly  raised  figures  and  other  ornamentation  in 
rich  famille  verte  colouring.  The  exterior  of  a summer  pavilion  and 
various  members  of  an  absent  warrior’s  household  are  presented,  together 
with  a saddled  horse  led  by  an  attendant.  Close  to  these  appears  a peasant 
who  is  seated  waiting  under  a tree.  A series  of  raised  and  richly  painted 
borders  finishes  the  ornate  and  uniform  decoration. 

Date:  Late  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  16  inches  Diameter,  7^4  inches 

Plate  IX 


No.  51.  Two  Famille  Verte  Jars 

With  or-molu  mounting 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform  shape;  hard-paste  porcelain  with 
overglaze  decoration  in  famille  verte  colours  on  white  ground,  pre- 
senting historical  figure  subjects.  An  official,  mounted  on  a white  horse  and 
accompanied  by  attendants  on  foot,  is  represented  visiting  his  aged  parent 
after  receiving  high  mandarin  rank.  The  necks  are  uniformly  surrounded 
by  varied  borders.  Louis  Seize  gilt-bronze  mountings. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  18  inches  Diameter,  10%  inches 


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No.  52.  Rouge-de-fer  Decorated  Wine  Jar 

With  original  cover 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  neck,  the  overglaze  deco- 
ration, in  rouge  de  fer  of  coral-red  hue,  presenting  a deep  descending 
lambrequin  motif  which  ornately  sustains  floriated  arabesque  reserves  in 
white,  together  with  blue  and  green  flowers  of  the  “four  seasons.”  The 
reciprocal  white  ground  below  is  relieved  cognately  with  red  floral  sprays, 
while  the  base  is  encircled  by  a fanciful  gadroon  border  which  involves  red 
tassels.  Another  coral-red  band  finishes  the  shoulder,  with  delicate  under- 
glaze blue  outlining  and  a modicum  of  gilding.  A blue  double  ring  mark 
appears  underneath  the  foot. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17%  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  9 5-2  inches 


No.  53.  Famille  Verte  Pencil  Stand 

Pi-chia 

OBLONG  shape,  raised  on  four  feet,  and  invested  with  typical  three- 
colour  decoration  sur  biscuit.  The  upper  panels  show  varied  blossoms 
and  insects  freely  posed  against  a pale  yellow  ground  that  is  surrounded  by 
a green  brocaded  and  flowered  border  embellished  at  the  sides  by  other 
floriated  details.  The  grotesque  mask-bearing  feet  are  glazed  in  aubergine 
and  yellow. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  3^4  inches  Length:  8*4  x 4-H  inches 


C253 


No.  54.  Famille  Verte  Vase  with  Raised  Figures 

Fangp'ing 

TAPERING  quadrangular  shape,  with  contracted  square  neck  and 
spreading  foot.  Fine  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain,  ornamented  with 
raised  figures  and  brilliant  overglaze  decoration  in  famille  verte  (ying  ts'ai) 
colours.  The  four  vertical  sides  present  images  of  the  “god  of  longevity,” 
the  “god  of  rank,”  the  “god  of  war,”  and  the  “god  of  wealth,”  each  accom- 
panied by  an  attendant  who  carries  the  respective  attributes  of  the  Taoist 
divinities.  The  four  sides  of  the  neck  sustain  varied  gift  objects  in  bold 
relief,  while  the  shoulder  is  painted  in  flowered  brocading.  Has  a sunken 
foot  in  biscuit  state  with  private  mark  of  a former  native  owner. 

Date : Early  XVIII  century;  Height,  17^4  inches  Width,  6^4  inches 

era  of  K'ang  Hsi 

Plate  X 


No.  55.  Tall  Square  Famille  Verte  Panel  Vase 

TAPERING  rectangular  form,  with  curved  shoulder  and  tubular  neck, 
invested  with  brilliant  enamel  colours  of  the  famille  verte  variety. 
The  four  vertical  sides  bear  twelve  small  alternating  quadrangular  and 
fan-shaped  pictorial  panels  on  a translucent  light-green  ground  that  is 
stippled  with  “frog-spawn”  dots  interspersed  with  scrolls,  red  blossoms, 
and  varied  butterflies.  The  four  upper  panels  contain  figures  representing 
the  “four  liberal  accomplishments”  (writing,  painting,  music,  and  games), 
while  the  fan-shaped  panels  alternately  disclose  mythological  animals  and 
landscapes.  The  four  lower  panels  show  miniature  landscapes  with  deer 
and  ch'i-lin.  A series  of  floral  sprays  and  emblems  appears  on  the  shoulders 
amid  trellis  work.  Alternate  leaf  and  square  shaped  panels,  with  landscape 
scenery,  complete  the  decoration  on  the  neck.  Bears  private  Sanskrit  mark 
(in  ink)  of  a Buddhist  temple. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  19 ^4  inches  Width,  6 x 6 inches 

Plate  X 


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No.  56.  Decorated  Famille  Verte  Rouleau  Vase 

CLUB  shape,  with  tubular  neck.  Painted  with  typical  translucent 
colours  (ying  ts'ai)  of  the  famille  verte  period.  The  decoration,  on 
white  ground,  includes  twelve  picture  panels  posed  in  three  successive  rows 
on  a rich  brocaded  green  ground.  The  upper  series,  alternating  with  tri- 
pods, display  landscape  and  river  views ; while  the  four  middle  panels,  alter- 
nating with  shih-lung  dragons,  depict  landscape  views,  birds,  deer,  and 
plants.  The  lower  four  pictorial  panels,  alternating  with  symbolical  plants, 
sustain  birds,  ch'i-lin,  and  crustacean.  The  shoulder  is  surrounded  by  a 
brocaded  border  involving  vignettes  with  red  blossoms.  The  opulent  dec- 
oration is  completed  at  the  neck  with  varied  bands  in  polychrome  colours, 
and  at  the  base  with  gadroons. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17%  inches  Diameter,  7 %.  inches 

Plate  X 


No.  57.  Two  Decorated  Yellow  Wall  Vases 

OVIFORM  in  contour  and  with  flat  backs,  showing  raised  white  chrysan- 
themum blossoms  together  with  aubergine  tiger-head  masks  and  green 
tings  posed  in  relief  against  the  amber-yellow  body  glazing. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  6 inches  Diameter,  2^  inches 


No.  58.  Two  Decorated  Aubergine  Wall  Vases 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding,  with  green  chrysanthemum  flowers  and  yel- 
low tiger  masks  posed  in  low  relief  against  the  aubergine  body  glazing. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  6 inches 


No.  59.  Emerald-green  Wall  Vase 

Kua  p'ing 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding  examples,  with  raised  white  chrysanthemum 
and  tiger-head  masks  posed  in  low  relief  against  a brilliant  green 
glazing. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  6 inches 


No.  60.  Square  Famille  Verte  Vase 

With  or-molu  mounting 


TALL  quadrilateral  shape,  with  tubular  neck.  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty 
porcelain  with  overglaze  decoration,  in  famille  verte  colours,  present- 
ing a flower-brocaded  green  ground  powdered  with  minute  black  “frog- 
spawn”  speckling,  interrupted  by  picture  panels  left  in  varied  forms  of  white 
reserve.  These  are  separately  painted  with  symbolical  gift  objects,  flowering 
plants,  and  birds;  others  display  spotted  deer  amid  landscape  setting.  The 
foot,  underneath,  bears  an  artemisia  leaf  mark. 


Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  20  inches 
with  mounting 


Width,  6x6  inches 
Plate  XI 


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No.  61.  Square  Yellow  and  Green  Decorated  Vase 

Famille  jaune 


QUADRANGULAR  shape,  with  tubular  neck.  The  four  sides,  taper- 
ing down  from  the  shoulder,  present  an  intricate  swastika  fret  pattern 
impressed  in  the  paste  under  the  Imperial  yellow  glaze.  This  foundation 
is  interrupted  alternately  by  circular  quadrilateral  and  leaf-shaped  jade- 
green  panels  involving  blue  flowers  on  the  lower  leaf  panels  and  the  “four- 
season”  flowers  on  the  upper  panels.  Its  flat  corner  edges  are  glazed  in  jade- 
green  matching  the  panels,  which  colour  is  carried  into  the  mortar-shaped 
neck,  together  with  underglaze  blue  sprays  of  bamboo  shoots. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  1 8 ^4  inches  Width,  5 ^ x 5 % inches 

Plate  XI 


No.  62.  Square  Green  “Four-season”  Vase 

Fang  p'ing 

TAPERING  quadrangular  shape,  with  mortar-like  neck.  Its  square 
body  is  uniformly  invested  with  a translucent  light  jade-green  glaze 
involving  reserved  floral  decorations  in  on-glaze  famille  verte  colours.  The 
four  sides  separately  display  symbolic  flower  plants  growing  near  rockeries; 
thus,  one  side  sustains  the  magnolia  tree  and  pair  of  phoenix  birds;  another, 
Indian  lotus  flowers  with  large  peltate  leaves;  a third  side  shows  chrysan- 
themums, while  the  fourth  depicts  the  flowering  hydrangea.  These  sym- 
bolical flowers,  together  with  small  insects,  are  presented  in  varied  tones  of 
fine  cobalt-blue,  amber-yellow,  and  light  aubergine.  The  green  neck,  re- 
lieved by  smaller  flowering  plants  amid  rocks  and  painted  in  light  on-glaze 
colours,  is  modern  and  replaces  the  original  broken  neck. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  20^  inches  Width,  6x6  inches 

Plate  XI 


[29] 


No.  63.  Imperial  Yellow  Decorated  Vase 

Hua  p'ing 

TALL  baluster  form,  with  ovoid  body  and  flaring  neck.  The  dense 
porcelain,  with  lustrous  yellow  glazed  surface,  presents  a lightly  en- 
graved “all-over”  pattern  in  the  form  of  lotus  flowers  and  scrolling  leafy 
stems  carefully  picked  out  in  famille  verte  colours.  The  stems  show  an 
aubergine  tint  and  the  leaves  a rich  iridescent  green,  while  the  flowers  are 
alternately  aubergine,  green,  and  white  with  a modicum  of  blue.  These 
colours  are  also  introduced  in  a honeycomb  fret  border  at  the  base,  while  the 
neck  above  displays  an  angular  fretting  in  two  colours.  Underneath,  the 
foot  is  glazed  in  yellow  and  bears  an  apocryphal  six-character  Hsuan  Te 
mark  of  the  Ming  dynasty. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  23^2  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  64.  Imperial  Yellow  and  Green  Beaker 

Fang  p ing 

ARCHAIC  quadrangular  (ku)  shape,  with  square  everted  neck  sustaining 
- two  brownish  aubergine  glazed  handles,  modelled  after  an  ancient 
bronze  prototype.  Hard-textured  porcelain,  with  a lustrous  Imperial  yel- 
low glazing  relieved  by  ascending  and  descending  green  plantain  leaves 
showing  hieratic  fretting.  The  expanded  shoulder  carries  an  archaic  dragon 
band  in  aubergine,  with  yellow  fret  ground. 

Date:  Era  of  Chia  Ch'ing  Height,  11%  inches  Diameter,  5 *4  inches 


No.  65.  Early  Famille  Verte  Ewer 

With  rich  or-molu  mounting 

TALL  cylindrical  shape,  with  tiara-fronted  top;  used  originally  for  iced 
fruit  syrups.  The  body,  with  original  spout,  is  transversely  divided 
into  three  sections  by  moulded  double  lines.  White  “sea  horses”  are  intro- 
duced in  the  upper  and  lower  divisions  of  these  segments,  careering  upon  a 
ground  of  concentric  dark  green  wave-forms,  surrounded  by  purple  blos- 
soms and  Buddhistic  emblems.  These  motifs  are  encroached  upon  from 
above  and  below  by  foam-crested  waves,  while  a pair  of  ch'i-lins  and  a 
“fish-dragon”  in  white,  yellow,  and  aubergine  occupy  the  middle  section  on 
like  green  foundation. 

Elaborately  mounted  writh  Louis  XIV  or-molu,  in  the  form  of  a tall 
aiguiere. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  i\y2  inches 

Plate  XII 


[30 


No.  66.  Pair  of  Porcelain  Fuh-lions 

With  rich  or-molu  mounting 

THESE  Buddhistic  animals  (shih-tzu)  are  presented  seated  on  their 
haunches,  one  with  cub  and  the  other  with  a brocaded  ball  (chu)  em- 
blem, supplemented  with  hexagonal  tubes  for  incense  sticks.  The  creatures 
show  grinning  muzzle,  and  their  heads  and  bodies  are  glazed,  sur  biscuit, 
in  luminous  green  and  aubergine,  while  their  sharp  teeth  remain  unglazed. 
The  vertical  sides  of  their  socles  are  engraved  with  cloud  (to  yiin)  patches 
and  display  brilliant  three-colour  “tiger-skin”  glazing,  dominated  by  green 
and  yellow,  while  the  third  colour  is  aubergine. 

The  Louis  XIV  or-molu  mounting  is  en  suite  with  the  aiguiere. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17  inches 

Plate  XII 


Regarded  as  the  habitual  defenders  of  Buddhistic  altars,  as  also  the  threshold  guardians  of  tem- 
ples. The  shih-tzu,  or  mythical  lion,  is  pictured  in  Chinese  art  as  a grotesquely  fantastic  animal  of 
playful  character,  not  unlike  the  Pekingese  spaniel.  Also  called  the  “lion-dog”  (shih-tzu-k'ou)  and 
“dog  of  fuh.” 


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GROUP  OF 

SMALL  CABINET  OBJECTS 


No.  67.  Writer’s  Water  Cup 

IN  the  form  of  an  upcurling  scalloped  leaf,  its  upturned  stem  serving  as 
the  dripper.  Glazed  in  three  colours  sur  biscuit.  The  yellow  interior 
shows  a small  floral  twig  glazed  in  rich  aubergine  and  brown  of  iridescent 
quality.  These  colours  are  carried  to  the  exterior  side  of  cup,  together  with 
black. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  2 inches  Length,  4 inches 


No.  68.  Peach-shaped  Puzzle  Pot 

FASHIONED  in  natural  form,  with  its  stem  forming  both  handle  and 
spout.  Coated  with  a grayish-green  glaze  or  hue  of  unripe  fruit,  with 
a translucent  mottled  rosette  effect  toward  the  top,  surrounded  by  blue  twigs. 
This  vessel,  without  an  opening  at  the  top,  is  filled  by  inverting  it  and  pour- 
ing the  water  through  an  orifice  under  the  foot;  when  thus  filled  it  is  ready 
for  service  on  a writer’s  table. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  5%  inches 


No.  69.  Two  Early  Famille  Verte  Sacrificial  Cups 

TYPICAL  elongated  shapes,  copied  after  ancient  jade  or  rhinoceros 
horn  cups,  with  two  lizard  handles  and  small  “fuh-lions”  under  the 
lips.  The  “three-colour”  decoration,  sur  biscuit,  includes  tiger-heads 
painted  in  yellow  on  green  ground.  The  interiors  sustain  decorative  borders 
against  the  white  glazing,  together  with  “shou”  marks  of  longevity. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  1%  inches  Length,  3%  inches 


Similar  examples  exist  in  the  Grandidier  Collection,  Musee  du  Louvre,  Paris. 


No.  70.  Another  Sacrificial  Cup 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding,  with  two  small  blue  lizards  at  the  handle 
and  two  others  in  green  under  the  lip.  Its  two  sides,  with  vertical  arete 
ridges,  display  a “five-colour”  decoration  with  dragon  bordering  and  glut- 
tonous ogre  mask  motifs. 

Date : Early  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  2 inches  Length,  4 y2  inches 


No.  71.  Another  Libation  Cup 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding;  the  coloured  decoration,  sur  biscuit,  with 
green  brocaded  ground,  including  overglaze  aubergine  and  blue  floral 
details.  The  interior  is  finished  with  a dark  green  trellis  border  with  em- 
blem vignettes. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  2 inches  Length,  4 inches 

Similar  examples  exist  in  the  University  Museum,  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania 

Plate  XIII 


No.  72.  Writer’s  Water-pourer 

MODELLED  in  the  form  of  a setting  hen  surrounded  by  three  of  her 
brood,  of  which  one  forms  the  finial  on  a leaf-like  stopper.  The  bird’s 
neck  is  glazed  in  yellow  and  the  breast  in  purplish  aubergine,  while  the 
wings  show  like  colours  intermingled  with  white  dappling.  The  curved 
handle  is  glazed  in  lustrous  green.  A three-colour  example. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  5^  inches  Length,  6 inches 


Plate  XIII 


t 


No.  73.  Porcelain  Duck  Pourer 

Used  on  writer's  table 

FASHIONED  in  form  of  a pair  of  coalescent  ducks  standing  on  a lotus 
leaf  and  with  handle  of  lotus  stems.  The  birds  are  glazed  in  “three 
colours”  of  the  early  famille  verte  variety,  namely,  yellow,  green,  and 
purplish  aubergine. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  7 inches  Width,  4x3  inches 

Plate  XIII 


No.  74.  Rare  Porcelain  Animal 

Incense-cover 

IN  the  form  of  a cat,  modelled  in  recumbent  pose,  with  open  eyes,  pointed 
ears,  and  pierced  circular  opening  on  its  neck,  serving  for  the  egress  of 
incense.  The  porcellanous  paste  glazed  in  “three  colours,”  sur  biscuit,  is 
dominated  by  aubergine  and  yellow. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  4 inches  Length,  9 inches 


No.  75.  Famille  Verte  Porcelain  Partridge 

THE  bird  is  squatted  on  an  ovate  base  of  light  aubergine  tone,  with  its 
head  looking  upward.  The  body  presents  a vivid  green  colour,  while 
the  wing  feathers  are  picked  out  in  yellow,  green,  and  aubergine,  showing 
white  reserved  flecking  under  the  vitreous  glaze. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  6l/2  inches  Width,  5 inches 


F 37  d 


Plate  XIII 


No.  76.  Pair  of  Fuh-lions 

Shih-tzu-k'  ou 

SEATED  on  their  haunches,  with  movable  ears  and  eyes.  A cub  appears 
with  one  and  a movable  brocaded  ball  under  a paw  of  the  other.  Glazed 
in  three  colours  sur  biscuit,  their  bodies  show  Imperial  yellow  and  leaf- 
green  tones  with  brilliant  lustre.  The  oblong  bases  are  coated  with  a thin 
white  and  green  glaze. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  7 % inches  Width,  2H  inches 


No.  77.  Pair  of  Fuh-dogs 

Shih-tzu 

GLAZED  in  three  colours  sur  biscuit,  these  animals  stand  on  leaves. 
Small  joss-stick  receptacles  rest  on  the  thinly  glazed  biscuit  leaf  bases. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  4 inches  Length,  3 inches 

Plate  XIII 


No.  78.  Famille  Verte  Stand 

IEAF  shape,  raised  on  three  grotesque  tiger-headed  feet.  The  decora- 
-J  tion,  sur  biscuit,  on  upper  panel  shows  a landscape  on  a pale  yellow 
ground,  framed  by  a green  and  black  brocaded  border  that  is  strewn  with 
blossoms. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  T.yi  inches 


Length,  10  inches 


No. 79.  Two  Miniature  Green  Porcelain  Parrots 

EARLY  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain,  showing  brilliant  emerald-green 
glazing,  sur  biscuit,  with  yellow  rockery.  The  birds  are  mounted  on 
small  teak-wood  stands. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  4 inches 


No.  80.  Rare  Famille  Verte  Porcelain  Wine  Cup 

FIVE-LOBED,  in  the  form  of  a flower.  Fine  white  porcelain,  its  exterior 
showing  a rare  floral  and  bird  decoration  beautifully  rendered  on  lus- 
trous green  brocaded  (“frog-spawn”)  ground,  with  coral-red  blossoms  in 
tangible  relief.  The  pellucid  white  interior  sustains  a simple  green  and  red 
mei-hua  (hawthorn)  sprig. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  3%  inches 


No.  81.  Two  Porcelain  Buffalo-head  Cups 

MODELLED  after  the  Greek  rhyton  form,  with  a three-colour  (san 
ts'ai)  decoration  sur  biscuit.  The  thinly  applied  glazing  consists 
of  patches  in  green,  yellow,  and  purplish  aubergine,  while  the  horns  and 
eyes  are  picked  out  in  dark  aubergine. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  4 inches  Diameter,  3 inches 

A similar  example  exists  in  the  Grandidier  Collection,  Musee  du  Louvre,  Paris. 


[39] 


No.  82.  Dappled  Porcelain  Horse 

BRIDLED  but  without  a bit,  the  animal  is  represented  lying  on  the 
ground  and  about  to  rise.  Glazed  in  a lustrous  white  with  brownish 
aubergine  and  yellow  markings.  Its  flat  base  is  channelled  with  incisions 
and  glazed  in  a bright  green.  Has  French  gilt-bronze  mounting  in  rocaille 
style. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  5 inches  Length,  6 inches 


No.  83.  Porcelain  Stork 

WITH  red  cresting  and  long  black  beak.  The  waddling  black  and 
white  glazed  bird  stands  on  a rocky  base  with  its  head  turned  to  the 
front;  its  body  feathers  are  white  with  gilding,  while  the  tail  feathers  are 
tipped  in  black  like  its  beak.  The  rocks  are  glazed  in  polychrome  colours. 
Has  or-molu  mounting  at  base. 

Early  era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  17^  inches  Width,  5 inches  at  base 


No.  84.  Three  Green  and  Yellow  Water  Receptacles 

SHAPED  as  lotus  seed-cups;  san  ts'ai  yao,  glazed  in  brilliant  green,  yel- 
low, and  aubergine  sur  biscuit.  Used  on  the  desks  of  poets  and  scholars. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  2 inches 


Length,  4 inches 


No.  85.  Two  Green  and  White  Water  Receptacles 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding  examples,  with  purplish-aubergine  seed-cups, 
. showing  white  lotus  petals  and  green  leaf-shaped  water  containers. 

Date:  K'ang  Hsi  period  Height,  2 inches  Length,  4 y2  inches 

Similar  examples  exist  in  the  Grandidier  Collection,  Musee  du  Louvre,  Paris. 


No.  86.  Three  Fuh-lions 

POSED  in  recumbent  forms,  with  open  muzzles  and  hollow  bodies  for 
incense,  these  chimaera-like  animals  are  coated  in  lustrous  emerald- 
green  and  amber-yellow  dappled  glazing  sur  biscuit,  tricked  with  white 
flecking  in  the  “tiger-skin”  style. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  2^2  inches  Length,  3*4  inches 


No.  87.  Two  Decorated  K'ang  Hsi  Green  Bowls 

THE  exteriors,  with  brilliant  “snake-skin”  green  glazed  foundations, 
display  separate  sprays  of  magnolia,  lotus,  and  prunus  blossoms,  etched 
in  the  paste  and  painted  in  three  contrasting  colours.  The  interiors  sustain 
small  fungus  medallions:  while,  underneath,  the  bases  bear  ling  chih,  or 
“sacred  fungus”  marks. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  3 inches  Diameter,  inches 


C40 


No.  88.  Two  Famille  Verte  Bowls 


THIN  flaring  sides,  with  overglaze  decoration  in  famille  verte  colours, 
presenting  mandarin  flowers  (hua  wang)  springing  from  a rocky 
soil  against  the  pellucid  white  ground,  together  with  flying  birds.  The  in- 
teriors are  bordered  in  brocaded  pattern  with  floral  vignettes. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  6 inches 


No.  89.  Two  Famille  Verte  Bowls 

CONVENTIONAL  shape,  with  thin  sides,  the  on-glaze  decoration  on 
white  ground  showing  dragon  and  phoenix-bird  motifs  in  famille  verte 
colours.  Bear  seal  marks. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  6 inches 


No.  90.  Famille  Verte  Tea  Pot 

GLOBULAR  shape;  with  white  spout  and  handle.  Fine  hard-paste 
porcelain;  the  decoration  on  white  ground  showing  a peony  flower 
and  phcenix-bird  (feng  huang)  motif  in  overglaze  famille  verte  colours. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  3^4  inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  91.  Pair  of  Green  Porcelain  Parrots 

IN  malachite  green  glazing  with  pale  green  and  black  stippled  breasts, 
these  birds  are  perched  upon  openwork  rocks  showing  splashes  of  yel- 
low, green,  and  aubergine  glazing  sur  biscuit. 


Height,  8%  inches 


Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


[42] 


No.  92.  Green  Porcelain  Parrot 

Ying-wu 

STANDING  on  a rockery,  the  parrot  is  glazed  in  a light  green  with 
iridescent  lustre,  while  the  rocks  are  glazed  in  mottled  aubergine  and 
amber-yellow  tones.  Its  feet  are  partly  exposed  in  biscuit  state. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  554  inches 


No.  93.  Pair  of  Turquoise-blue  Parrots 

Shuang  ying  wu 

STANDING  on  open  rockeries,  the  birds,  with  beaks  reserved  in  white 
biscuit  state,  are  glazed  in  lustrous  monochrome  turquoise-blue  colour, 
with  purple  beaded  eyes. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  8%  inches 

Plate  XIV 


No.  94.  Two  Writer’s  Water  Receptacles 

T'ai  po  tsun 

EACH  representing  the  figure  of  a bibulous  poet,  with  black  beard, 
assumably  Li  T'ai-peh,  reclining  against  his  wine  jar,  moulded  in  the 
form  of  a peach,  to  serve  as  an  ink  or  water  holder,  with  its  stem  leaves  in 
relief.  He  wears  a brocaded  green  robe  upon  which  appear  white  chrysan- 
themum flower  tracings  amid  black  leafy  stems.  His  under-garment  is 
decorated  with  a crane.  The  cups  are  glazed  in  yellow  and  green. 


Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  4 inches 


Length,  7^2  inches 


No.  95.  Writer’s  Water  Receptacle 

T'ai  po  tsun 

A SIMILAR  representation  of  the  bibulous  Han  poet  Li  T'ai-peh,  re- 
clining against  his  wine  jar  in  form  of  a peach.  His  green  tunic  is 
decorated  in  brilliant  “three-colour”  glazing  sur  biscuit;  while  his  under- 
garment is  embellished  with  a rising  carp  emblem.  The  yellow  peach,  with 
green  leaves,  serves  as  the  water-holder. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  4 inches  Length,  7 inches 


No.  96.  Writer’s  Water  Receptacle 

T'ai  po  tsun 

ANOTHER  bearded  Han  poet  is  here  represented  reclining  against  a 
jl\.  flower-decorated  wine  jar.  He  is  wearing  a magistrate’s  jade  girdle 
and  yellow  garment,  together  with  a black  court  hat.  Used  on  scholar’s 
desk  as  an  inkwell,  and  showing  a “three-colour”  glazing  sur  biscuit  in  rare 
perfection.  Bears  the  chiao  yeh,  or  leaf  mark. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  4 inches 


Length,  7l/2  inches 


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GROUP  OF 

FAMILLE  VERTE  FIGURES 


No.  97.  Two  Decorated  Bodhisattva  Figures 

PRESENTING  Kuan-yin,  the  Chinese  Goddess  of  Mercy,  in  a mani- 
festation of  the  maternal,  seated  in  Buddhistic  attitude  on  a lotus- 
flower  thalamus.  The  figures,  uniformly  clad  in  light  turquoise-blue  robes 
with  purple  and  yellow  capes,  are  supported  by  balustrated  porcelain 
pedestals,  and  wear  high  head-dress  and  cowled  covering.  The  lotus-throne 
seats,  with  pendent  petals,  are  glazed  in  white,  green,  yellow,  and  purplish- 
aubergine  tones.  These  colours  of  the  famille  verte  palette  are  also  intro- 
duced below  on  the  hexagonal  pedestal,  with  its  balustrading  and  decorative 
details. 

Date:  XVIII  century;  Height,  15^  inches  Width,  6 inches 

late  K'ang  Hsi 

Plate  XIV 

Identified  as  Avalokites'vara  (Sanskrit),  the  “down-looking  sovereign,”  believed  to  share  with 
Amitabha  Buddha  the  dominion  of  the  Paradise  in  the  West. 


No.  98.  Famille  Verte  Bodhisattva  Figure 

REPRESENTING  Kuan-yin,  the  Goddess  of  Mercy,  seated  in  Bud- 
. dhistic  attitude  of  meditation.  The  figure,  whose  hands  are  held  in  her 
lap,  palms  down,  is  clad  in  a green  brocaded  robe  enriched  with  chrysanthe- 
mum flowers  and  trellis  pattern  diapering,  including  a yellow  cape.  Her 
benign  white  glazed  face  aids  in  the  aspect  of  serenity.  The  chrysanthemum 
flowers  appear  in  white,  yellow,  and  purplish-aubergine  tones. 


Date : Late  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  9)4  inches 


Width,  6 inches 


No.  99.  Famille  Verte  Statuette 

REPRESENTING  Chung-li  Chuan,  one  of  the  Taoist  immortals 
(though  his  attribute — a fly-brush — is  missing),  modelled  in  standing 
attitude.  His  tunic  is  a patchwork  of  small  green,  yellow,  aubergine,  and 
white  glazed  squares.  The  right  arm  is  held  down  by  his  side,  while  the 
left  is  extended  with  an  empty  hand. 

The  figure  is  accompanied  by  a richly  decorated  socle  with  pierced  and 
trellis  brocaded  front  panel,  while  the  sides  show  rare  green  hawthorn  pat- 
terns. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  12  inches  with  stand 


No.  100.  Another  Famille  Verte  Statuette 

REPRESENTING  a fairy,  attendant  of  Hsi  Wang  Mu,  the  Taoist 
queen,  who  carries  one  of  the  fabulous  peaches  of  longevity  upon  a 
green  presentation  cloth  for  bestowal  upon  some  favoured  mortal.  The 
figure,  with  earrings,  is  attired  in  a green  jacket  and  yellow  skirt  decorated 
with  butterflies,  and  her  black  hair  is  done  up  in  double  knots  of  ancient 
epochs.  The  pedestal  is  en  suite  with  the  foregoing. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  12  inches 


No.  101.  Another  Famille  Verte  Statuette 

REPRESENTING  Ts'ai  kuo-ch'in,  the  patron  of  actors.  This  worthy 
. carries  a pair  of  castanets;  his  green  tunic  is  decorated  with  flowers, 
phoenix  birds,  and  ch'i-lin.  He  wears  a black  hat  of  remote  times  and  stands 
on  a square  socle,  en  suite  with  the  preceding. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  12  inches 


No.  102.  Another  Famille  Verte  Statuette 

REPRESENTING  Tu-Ro  Jin,  one  of  the  seven  gods  of  “good  luck,”  a 
venerable  Taoist  sage  with  long  white  beard,  wearing  a green  brocaded 
robe  that  is  embellished  with  chrysanthemum  flowers.  This  immortal  bears 
a short  bamboo  section,  supposed  to  hold  sacred  written  scrolls.  He  stands 
on  a square  socle,  en  suite  with  the  preceding  examples. 


Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  12  inches 


PORCELAINS  OF 
THE  GREAT  MING  DYNASTY 


No.  103.  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

Chiu-kang 

TYPICAL  oviform  shape,  with  a brilliant  light  turquoise-blue  founda- 
tion sustaining  slightly  raised  decoration  outlined  in  the  form  of  lion- 
dogs  (shih-tzu)  playing  with  the  “brocaded  ball”  emblem  amid  fillets  and 
floral  motifs.  Its  rounded  shoulder  is  surrounded  by  a scalloped  border 
enriched  with  small  lotus  flowers  and  picked  out  in  typical  enamel  colours 
of  its  provenance.  The  base  is  finished  by  an  ornate  gadroon  border  en- 
graved and  lightly  coloured.  Body  shows  some  reparation. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  13  inches  Diameter,  12  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XIV 


No.  104.  Ming  Dragon  Bottle 

With  or-molu  mounting 

PYRIFORM,  with  tubular  neck  encircled  by  a lizard-like  dragon 
modelled  in  bold  relief  with  scrolling  bifurcated  tail.  The  massive 
body  is  glazed  in  lustrous  turquoise-blue  that  sustains  minute  truitee,  while 
the  coiling  dragon,  with  light  glazing  sur  biscuit,  shows  some  exfoliation 
or  scaling  from  age. 

The  French  or-molu  mounting  is  in  Louis  Quinze  style. 


Date:  XVI  century; 
Ming  dynasty 


Height,  13^  inches 


Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  105.  Two  Turquoise-blue  Garden  Seats 

Liang-tun 

OF  ovoid  contours  with  mottled  lustrous  turquoise-blue  glazing,  minutely 
crackled  over  blue-black  pencilled  decoration.  The  designs  show 
flowering  scrolls  and  foliage  on  the  rounded  sides,  together  with  studding 
rows  of  small  bosses.  The  circular  flat  tops,  in  like  blue-black  decoration, 
sustain  a representation  of  the  fabled  ch'i-lin  amid  patches  of  nebulae.  The 
four  tiger-head  handles  are  in  relief,  with  openings  through  rudimentary 
rings. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  20^  inches  Diameter,  13  inches 

Ming  dynasty 


No.  106.  Pair  of  Ming  Garden  Seats 

Liang-tun 

BARREL  shapes,  or  tonnellettes,  with  three-coloured  glaze  sur  biscuit, 
presenting  a translucent  turquoise-blue  ground,  relieved  by  an  engraved 
lotus-flower  motif  with  scrolling  stems  and  clustering  foliage,  carefully 
picked  out  in  yellow  and  aubergine  tones.  Lapis-blue  bands  bearing  cloud- 
scrolls  finish  the  narrow  upper  and  lower  segments,  together  with  the  usual 
rows  of  bossing.  With  lapis-blue  ground,  the  seat  panel  sustains  lotus  flow- 
ers in  turquoise  tints. 

Date : XVI  century;  Height,  12 inches  Diameter,  ioj4  inches 

Ming  dynasty 


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No.  107.  Ming  Palace  Garden  Seat 

Mounted  as  a console-table  jar 

TONNELLETTE  or  barrel  shape,  with  three-coloured  glaze  sur  biscuit, 
presenting  a translucent  turquoise-blue  ground  that  is  relieved  by  an 
engraved  design  of  lotus  flowers  amid  scrolling  stems  and  clustering  foliage. 
These  details  are  carefully  picked  out  in  yellow  and  purplish-aubergine 
tones,  while  Imperial  yellow  bands,  with  storks  and  cloud  scrolls,  together 
with  rows  of  bossing,  finish  the  narrow  upper  and  lower  segments.  The 
cover  depicts  fuh-dogs  (shih-tzu)  playing  with  brocaded  ball  emblems  on 
yellow  ground.  The  rich  or-molu  mounting  is  in  Louis  XIV  design. 


Date : Ming  dynasty  Height,  19  inches 

with  mounting 


Diameter,  1 1 inches 
Plate  XV 


No.  108.  Two  Imperial  Yellow  Garden  Seats 

TONNELLETTE  or  barrel-like  shapes,  mounted  with  Louis  XIV 
period  or-molu  to  serve  as  console-table  jars.  The  cylindrical  porcelain 
bodies  with  original  covers  display  brilliant  yellow  foundations,  serving  as 
a background  for  the  Imperial  (five-clawed)  dragons,  whose  slender  forms, 
with  engraved  outlining,  are  picked  out  in  opaque  purplish-black  enamel- 
ling of  lustrous  quality,  while  vivid  emerald-green  and  light  aubergine  tones 
are  introduced  on  the  heads,  muzzles,  and  horns  of  these  creatures,  as  also 
on  the  intervening  flower  motifs.  Below,  the  curling  green  waves  show 
white  cresting,  while  aubergine,  black,  and  yellow  flowered  bands,  together 
with  conventional  rows  of  black  bossing,  complete  both  the  base  and  the 
upper  rims.  The  rounded  tops  of  the  covers,  with  Imperial  yellow  founda- 
tions, sustain  dragons  and  lotus  flowers  in  kindred  colours. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  19  inches  Diameter,  14  inches 

with  mounting 

Plate  XV 


C 55  H 


No.  109.  Another  Imperial  Yellow  Garden  Seat 

Liang-tun 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding,  with  Imperial  yellow  ground  and  dragon 
decoration.  Mounted  with  Louis  XIV  or-molu  bronze. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  18^2  inches  Diameter,  inches 


No.  110.  Ming  Lapis-blue  Decorated  Jar 

Hua  tsun 

IOW  oviform  contour,  with  spreading  foot  and  inverted  wide-rimmed 
-/  neck,  supporting  two  ch'ih-lung  dragons  that  serve  as  handles,  modelled 
in  free  relief  and  glazed  in  turquoise-blue.  The  body  is  glazed  in  a deep 
lapis-blue,  relieved  by  an  outlined  ornament  of  chrysanthemum  and  peony 
flowers  that  are  picked  out  in  amber-yellow,  turquoise-blue,  and  ivory-white 
tones  sur  biscuit.  The  foot  is  encircled  by  a white  and  turquoise  glazed 
band  of  gadroons,  and  the  interior  of  neck  is  glazed  in  cucumber-rind  green. 
Shows  a biscuit  finish  underneath. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'eng  Hua  Height,  8%  inches  Diameter,  n inches 


No.  m.  Ming  Aubergine  Decorated  Jar 

Hua  tsun 

IOW  oviform  body,  with  expanded  foot  and  wide-rimmed  neck,  sup- 
porting  two  elephant-trunk  handles,  modelled  after  ancient  sacrificial 
bronze  (tsun)  prototypes.  The  body  is  ornamented  in  slightly  raised  and 
outlined  designs  of  lotus-flower  scrolls,  picked  out  in  turquoise-blue,  amber- 
yellow,  and  russet  tones  against  the  interestingly  clouded  purplish-aubergine 
body  enamel  glazing.  The  upper  rim,  like  the  rim  of  foot,  is  decorated  with 
a narrow  convoluted  turquoise  scroll  band.  Has  a biscuit  finish  underneath. 
The  teak-wood  cover  is  mounted  with  a jade  ornament. 

Date:  Early  Ming  dynasty  Height,  6y2  inches  Diameter,  7 y2  inches 

without  cover 


No.  112.  Pair  of  Decorated  Quadrilateral  Vases 

Fang  p'ing 

WITH  oviform  contours,  everted  necks,  and  spreading  bases.  Dense 
kaolinic  porcelain  paste  (Kuang  yao)  of  the  great  Ming  dynasty, 
invested  with  a minutely  crackled  deep  purplish-blue  glaze  that  is  relieved 
on  the  four  sides  with  floral  sprays,  emblems,  and  border  motifs,  all  picked 
out  in  turquoise-blue  and  amber-yellow  tones.  The  panels  underneath  are 
left  in  biscuit  state.  Yuan  Kuang  yao  type. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  \2.y2  inches  Width,  4 inches 


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No.  113.  Ming  Decorated  Vase 

Mei  p'ing 

TALL  clavate  gallipot  shape,  with  short  everted  neck.  The  raised  deco- 
ration, with  lotus-flower  motif  crisply  modelled,  includes  a shoulder 
border  in  “sceptre-head”  lanceolations,  together  with  an  ornate  gadroon 
design  at  the  base.  The  ornamentation  on  lapis-blue  ground  is  finely  out- 
lined and  picked  out  in  turquoise-blue,  amber-yellow,  and  ivory-white.  This 
incised  and  coloured  technique,  in  fact,  is  not  so  far  unlike  that  of  champleve 
enamel  on  copper. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  14^  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  114.  Ming  Decorated  Vase 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  mei  p'ing,  or  so-called  gallipot,  with  small 
neck.  Dense  porcellanous  paste  (Kuang  yao),  the  glaze  of  dark 
mottled  lapis-blue  sustaining  an  outline  decoration  in  low  relief  that  is 
picked  out  in  turquoise-blue,  pale  yellow,  and  crackled  ivory-white  sur 
biscuit,  and  especially  distinguished  for  a modicum  of  chi-hung  copper-red. 
The  details  on  the  design  present  lotus  flowers  among  scrolling  leafy  stems. 
The  shoulder  carries  a beaded  interlacement  with  pendent  emblems,  and  a 
fanciful  gadroon  band  at  base  completes  the  decoration. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  10^4  inches  Diameter,  5 *4  inches 

Plate  XVI 


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No.  115.  Rare  Ming  Decorated  Vase 

Lien-hua  p'ing 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  mei  p'ing,  or  inverted  pear  shape,  with  bril- 
liant decoration  showing  luxuriant  lotus  plants  in  blossom  above 
rolling  and  leaping  waters,  worked  in  low  relief  and  glazed  in  amber- 
yellow,  cream-white,  turquoise-blue,  and  a modicum  of  the  rare  chi-hung 
red  underglaze,  freely  rendered  within  a ground  of  deep  lapis-blue.  An 
elaborate  border,  similarly  executed  and  coloured,  finishes  the  shoulder  in 
ornate  scalloped  form. 

Date : Era  of  Hsiian  Te  Height,  ioy2  inches  Diameter,  $y2  inches 

Plate  XVI 

The  above  shape  has  been  termed  “gallipot,”  “biberon,”  and  “inverted  pear”  shape  by  different 
writers,  but  is  known  to  the  Chinese  by  the  name  of  mei  pHng  (prunus  vase),  and  supposed  by  them 
to  be  an  appropriate  shape  to  hold  a single  spray  of  prunus  blossoms  as  a herald  to  the  New  Year’s 
festival. 


No.  116.  Decorated  Ming  Fish  Jar 

Lit  tsun 

OF  broad  rounded  form,  carrying  a deep  lapis-blue  glaze  of  luminous 
quality,  interrupted  by  a flowering  lotus-pond  motif  outlined  in  the 
paste  and  filled  in  with  light  turquoise-blue  and  creamy  white  glazing.  The 
design  includes  standing  and  flying  white  herons.  A series  of  twelve 
Buddhistic  “cloud  patches”  surround  the  upper  band,  while  a conventional 
rolling  wave  motif  finishes  the  base.  With  flat  biscuit  foot  and  cover  of 
teak- wood  ornamented  with  green  jadeite. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  8 inches  Diameter,  11%  inches 


C59d 


Plate  XVI 


No.  117.  Decorated  Ming  Ink  Well 

IOW  circular  form  of  porcellanous  stoneware,  its  top  sustaining  round 
and  square  openings,  while  the  body  is  decorated  with  an  incised  lotus- 
flower  band  picked  out  in  turquoise-blue  and  amber-yellow  glazes  against 
an  aubergine  ground,  which  colour  is  repeated  on  the  upper  rim  and  base. 

Date:  Era  of  Hsiian  Te  Height,  2XA  inches  Diameter,  5%  inches 


No.  118.  Ming  Decorated  Turquoise-blue  Vase 

GRACEFUL  tall  baluster  shape, with  two  ascending ch'ih-lung  (dragon) 
handles,  modelled  in  free  relief  and  in  unglazed  biscuit  state.  The 
body,  with  turquoise-blue  glazed  foundation,  presents  an  engraved  and  out- 
lined decoration  of  aquatic  plants  and  lotus  flowers,  carefully  picked  out  in 
aubergine  and  lapis-blue  enamel  colours,  while  the  flowers  appear  reserved 
in  white  under  the  vitreous  glaze.  The  foot  is  surrounded  by  a dark  lapis- 
blue  ascending  leaf  palmation. 

Date:  Era  of  Hsiian  Te  Height,  19  inches  Diameter,  6 inches 


No.  119.  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

OVIFORM  contour,  with  short  neck,  presenting  a deep  turquoise-blue 
foundation,  relieved  by  an  incised  and  moulded  lotus  motif  carefully 
picked  out  in  amber-yellow,  purplish-blue,  light  aubergine,  and  old  ivory- 
white  glazing.  The  shoulder  is  surrounded  by  a scalloped  lambrequin 
border  whose  lappets  are  filled  in  with  turquoise-blue  lotus  flowers,  while 
the  base  is  encircled  by  a fanciful  gadroon  border  that  involves  donations 
in  cognate  colours. 

From  the  collection  of  the  late  Charles  A.  Dana. 

Date : Early  XVI  century  Height,  11  inches  Diameter,  9^  inches 


* 


No.  120.  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

SLENDER  oviform  baluster  shape,  with  graceful  attenuated  neck,  sup- 
porting two  clustered  lotus-flower  handles.  The  buff  porcellanous  body 
carries  a light  aubergine  foundation  with  conventionalized  lotus-plant  orna- 
mentation depicted  in  raised  outline  and  separately  glazed  in  turquoise-blue 
and  ivory-white  tones.  The  boldly  modelled  lotus  flowers  and  twigs,  form- 
ing handles,  are  glazed  in  kindred  colours  with  the  addition  of  green  and 
yellow  pigments. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  6%  inches 

Plate  XVII 


No.  121.  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

COMPANION  to  the  preceding  example,  with  slight  variations  in  col- 
ouring and  darker  foundation.  The  lotus-flower  details  include  rock 
motifs  that  appear  on  the  expanded  base;  the  interior  of  neck,  like  its  foot 
underneath,  showing  an  ivory-white  enamel  glazing. 

Date : Ming  dynasty  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  6^4  inches 

Plate  XVII 


No.  122.  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

GRACEFUL  oviform  tapering  into  an  expanding  neck,  with  two  clus- 
tered flower  handles.  Its  porcellanous  body  is  invested  with  a minutely 
crackled  turquoise-blue  glaze  against  which  the  outlined  and  slightly  raised 
ornamentation  presents  flowering  chrysanthemum  plants  and  hovering  but- 
terflies. These  details  on  either  side  are  picked  out  in  light  green,  purple, 
ivory-white,  and  violet  glazing,  cognate  colours  appearing  on  the  lotus- 
flowered  handles. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  15^4  inches  Diameter,  6^4  inches 


Plate  XVII 


No.  123.  Pair  of  Decorated  Ming  Vases 

Analogous  with  the  preceding 

BALUSTER  shapes,  with  slender  everted  necks  supporting  two  handles 
in  form  of  moulded  ling  chi  clumps;  thinly  glazed  in  turquoise  and 
white  sur  biscuit.  The  bodies  are  coated  in  deep  lapis-blue  enamel  glaze, 
relieved  on  either  side  by  lightly  raised  designs  in  the  form  of  jardinieres 
and  flowering  plants,  picked  out  in  vitreous  turquoise-blue  and  ivory-white 
tones. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  15%.  inches  Diameter,  6 inches 

Similar  examples  exist  in  the  Salting  Collection  (Victoria  and  Albert  Museum)  and  in  the 
Eumorfopoulos  Collection,  London. 


No.  124.  Small  Ming  Pottery  Jar 

IOW  oviform  Kuang-tung  stoneware  showing  a vitreous  quality  and 
minute  crackle,  with  opaque  aubergine  background  sustaining  lotus 
motifs  in  raised  outlines,  the  leaves  being  carefully  picked  out  in  turquoise- 
blue  and  the  flowers  in  pale  ivory-white.  The  shoulder  is  encircled  by  a 
palmation  band  in  turquoise,  tortoise-brown  and  grayish  glazing.  Has  teak- 
wood  cover  with  jade  plaquette  inserts. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  6 inches  Diameter,  6)4  inches 


No.  125.  Another  Ming  Pottery  Jar 

IOW  oviform,  similar  in  design  and  colours  to  the  preceding  example, 
-/  with  raised  shoulder  band  of  palmations  glazed  in  turquoise,  tortoise- 
brown,  and  gray.  Its  blue  colour  at  neck  is  carried  over  into  the  interior. 
Has  teak-wood  cover  with  jadeite  plaquette  insert. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  6%.  inches  Diameter,  6)4  inches 


[62] 


No.  126.  Rare  Ming  Pottery  Jar 

BROAD-SHOULDERED  gallipot  shape;  fine  Kuang-tung  stoneware; 

its  body,  coated  with  a mottled  turquoise-blue  glaze,  is  relieved  by  a 
lotus-flower  motif  outlined  in  low  relief  and  picked  out  in  aubergine,  amber- 
yellow,  and  old  ivory  tones,  which  colours  also  appear  commingled  on  the 
palmation  band  at  the  shoulder.  Has  teak-wood  cover  with  amethyst 
ornament. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  6^4  inches  Diameter,  6}i  inches 


No.  127.  Decorated  Ming  Cabinet  Vase 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  contracted  neck  and  everted 
rim.  Dense  Ming  stoneware,  coated  with  a minutely  crackled  tur- 
quoise-blue glaze  that  is  relieved  by  an  outlined  and  graven  decoration  of 
flowering  lotus  plants,  carefully  picked  out  in  contrasting  purplish- 
aubergine,  ivory-white,  and  deep  turquoise  colours,  showing  minute  crackle. 
The  base  is  bordered  with  a suggestion  of  waves,  while  the  foot  underneath 
is  unglazed. 

Date : Era  of  Hsiian  Te  Height,  10%  inches  Diameter,  4^  inches 


No.  128.  Decorated  Ming  Vase 

BULBOUS  gourd  shape,  with  medium  wide-apertured  neck.  Dense 
kaolinic  stoneware  of  the  Ming  dynasty,  with  decoration  rendered  in 
raised  outlines  and  picked  out  in  turquoise-blue  and  amber-yellow  upon  a 
deep  lapis-blue  background.  The  details  include  the  eight  poets  and  their 
wine  jars,  arranged  in  groups  of  two;  the  figures  are  surrounded  by  cloud 
scrolls  and  bamboo  and  fir  trees.  The  attenuated  centre  shows  a scroll  and 
leaf  border,  while  the  neck  is  completed  by  a flowered  gadroon  band. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  i6y2  inches  Diameter,  io>4  inches 


No.  129.  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

WITH  a fine  oviform  contour,  its  body  presents  a deep  purplish-blue 
tone,  relieved  by  ornately  incised  and  moulded  lotus-flower  motifs, 
freely  rendered  and  carefully  picked  out  in  amber-yellow,  turquoise-blue, 
aubergine,  and  ivory-white  glazing.  The  shoulder  is  surrounded  by  scal- 
loped lambrequin  border  whose  lappets  display  floral  twigs,  while  a honey- 
comb diaper  pattern  with  blossoms  encircles  the  neck.  A fanciful  gadroon 
border  with  floral  devices  completes  the  base  in  cognate  colours.  The  teak- 
wood  cover  is  surmounted  by  a white  jade  magnolia  flower. 

Date : Era  of  Hsiian  Te  Height,  13  inches  Diameter,  11  inches 

Plate  XVIII 


No.  130.  Pair  of  Inverted  Pear-shaped  Vases 

Mei  p'ing 

THE  freely  rendered  decoration  shows  luxuriant  lotus  plants  in  blossom 
above  rolling  waves,  engraved  in  low  relief  outlines  and  glazed  in 
bright  amber-yellow,  soft  ivory-white,  and  turquoise-blue,  within  a ground 
of  deep  lapis-blue.  An  elaborate  lobed  lambrequin  motif  borders  each 
shoulder,  similarly  executed  and  coloured. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  1 1 % inches  Diameter,  5^4  inches 

Plate  XVIII 

No.  131.  Peacock-blue  Decorated  Pottery  Bottle 

OVOID  gallipot  (mei  p'ing)  shape,  with  small  everted  neck.  Dense 
Tz'u-chou  pottery,  with  luminous  peacock-blue  glazing,  under  which 
appears  an  early  form  of  bluish-black  pencilled  decoration,  the  details  show- 
ing three  foliated  panels,  one  of  which  depicts  the  figure  of  a sage,  another 
a crane,  and  the  third  a rabbit.  The  shoulder  sustains  a striate  band  with 
scrollwork,  while  another  band  finishes  the  base.  The  glaze  is  minutely 
crackled.  Bears  some  Tz'u-chou  potter’s  rough  mark  (of  scratched  crossed 
lines)  on  the  biscuit  foot  underneath. 

Date:  Late  Sung  dynasty  Height,  10  inches  Diameter,  sl/2  inches 


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No.  132.  Another  Peacock-blue  Bottle 

OVOID  gallipot  (mei  p'ing)  shape,  with  small  everted  neck.  Tz'u- 
chou  pottery,  with  peacock-blue  body  glazing  and  bluish-black  decora- 
tion in  the  form  of  three  foliated  panels  that  separately  display  the  figure 
of  a sage,  a crane,  and  a rabbit,  while  the  shoulder  and  base  sustain  striate 
bands  with  scrollwork.  The  blue  truitee  glaze  shows  exfoliations  from  age 
near  the  foot. 

Date : Sung  dynasty  Height,  ioy2  inches  Diameter,  y/2  inches 


No.  133.  Early  Ming  Wine  Jar 

Chiu-kang  tzu 

GRACEFUL  oviform,  with  a representation  of  two  warriors  on  horse- 
back, one  with  sword  and  the  other  with  spear,  who  are  about  to  attack 
each  other.  Other  details  on  reverse  side  include  an  emperor  in  company 
with  officials  and  serving  men,  surrounded  by  trees  and  cloud  scrolls.  All 
is  executed  in  low  relief  and  picked  out  in  turquoise,  light  purple,  and  the 
less  known  chi-hung  red  on  iridescent  lapis-blue  ground.  Its  shoulder  and 
neck  are  encircled  by  lotus-flower  borders,  while  the  base  is  completed  with 
an  ornate  band  in  gadroon  design.  This  rare  example  has  a teak-wood  cover 
with  jade  finial. 

From  the  collection  of  the  late  Charles  A.  Dana. 

Date:  XV  century;  Height,  14^2  inches  Diameter,  11  inches 

era  of  Hsiian  Te 

Plate  XIX 

In  examples  of  this  class  the  biscuit  generally  shows  through  the  glaze  here  and  there  in  various 
ways,  according  to  the  thickness  of  such  glazing,  whether  by  accident  or  intention,  also  owing  to  the 
disintegration  of  the  glaze  itself  or  prevailing  conditions  of  usage;  but  the  paste  in  such  objects  has 
less  kaolin  in  its  composition  than  later  porcelain  examples. 

The  embellishments,  which  are  modelled  in  low  relief,  perforated,  or  engraved,  afford  outlines  for 
the  different  enamel  colours,  among  which  may  be  particularly  noted  the  turquoise-blue  and  amber- 
yellow,  besides  the  deep  lapis-blue,  often  shading  into  purple  or  violet  (a  manganese  colour)  resem- 
bling the  tint  of  plum  skin  or  aubergine,  but  varying  with  epochs  of  production. 


No.  134.  Ming  Decorated  Wine  Jar 

With  teak-wood  cover 

OVIFORM  body,  with  dark  purple-blue  foundation,  presenting  a diffuse 
ornament  in  outlined  relief,  glazed  in  turquoise-blue  and  intermingled 
with  white  figures  sur  biscuit;  probably  a production  of  the  Peking  pot- 
teries. The  figure  decoration  consists  of  scenes  illustrative  of  the  so-called 
“four  liberal  arts,”  comprehending  music  (ch'in),  chess  (ch'i),  and  litera- 
ture (shu),  separately  grouped,  while  the  obverse  side  (reversed  on  illustra- 
tion) is  devoted  to  painting  (hua) , as  depicted  by  a group  who  are  examining 
a painting.  The  shoulder  carries  a lobed  lambrequin  border  with  formal 
lotus  flowers,  and  the  base  is  encircled  by  a broad  gadroon  band. 

Date : XVI  century ; Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  13  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XIX 


No.  135.  Ming  Porcelain  Wine  Jar 

Chiu-kang  tzu 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  broad-apertured  neck.  The 
body,  with  a deep  lapis-blue  glaze,  is  decorated  in  raised  outline,  the 
design  presenting  figures  of  the  eight  Taoist  immortals,  or  pa  hsien,  amid 
pine  trees  and  cloud  forms,  filled  in  with  turquoise,  pale  purple,  and  ivory- 
white.  The  shoulder  sustains  patches  of  cloud  scrolls,  and  the  foot  is  en- 
circled by  a band  of  incised  gadroons.  The  teak-wood  cover  is  surmounted 
by  a jade  figure  of  Lao-tzu. 

Date:  XV  century;  Height,  13  inches  Diameter,  12  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XIX 


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No.  136.  Ming  Decorated  Wine  Jar 

Chiu-kang  tzu 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  everted  neck,  presenting  a 
purplish-blue  enamelled  foundation,  relieved  by  four  Imperial  dragons 
in  pursuit  of  the  flaming  pearl.  The  details  in  sunken  outline  are  picked  out 
in  green,  yellow,  and  turquoise-blue  tones.  Similar  outlined  sea  waves  en- 
circle the  base,  while  the  shoulder  carries  a lobed  lambrequin  border,  filled 
in  with  amber-yellow  and  ivory-white  glazing  sur  biscuit.  The  purplish- 
blue  neck  sustains  a turquoise-blue  band  of  lanceolations  and  cloud  (to-yun) 
patches.  A teak-wood  cover  with  ancient  openwork  jade  finial  completes 
this  imposing  example. 

Date : XV  century ; Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  ioy2  inches 

early  Ming  dynasty 


No.  137.  Reticulated  Ming  Vase 

GOURD  shape,  with  small-apertured  neck.  Glazed  in  lapis  and  tur- 
quoise-blue with  a modicum  of  reserved  white  in  biscuit  state.  The 
openwork  outer  shell  shows  sages  and  other  figures,  moulded  in  the  paste, 
posed  among  tree  and  cloud  scroll  motifs ; partly  coated  in  turquoise-blue 
and  amber-yellow.  A border  of  turquoise-coloured  cloud  patches  surrounds 
the  attenuated  centre.  The  base  is  surrounded  by  a fanciful  gadroon  border, 
which  is  repeated  at  the  neck. 

Date : Early  XVI  century;  Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  7^  inches 

Ming  dynasty 


No.  138.  Reticulated  Ming  Vase 

With  or-molu  mounting 

PYRIFORM  shape,  with  constricted  neck.  The  dense  kaolinic  stone- 
ware with  net-like  piercing  of  the  outer  shell  is  glazed,  sur  biscuit,  in 
turquoise-blue,  purple,  and  lavender  tones.  The  central  design  shows  two 
scholars  under  a fir  tree,  engaged  in  a game  of  checkers.  Has  French  or- 
molu bronze  mounting  in  Louis  Quinze  style. 

Date : XVI  century ; Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  7^2  inches 

Ming  dynasty 


No.  139.  Ming  Decorated  Wine  Jar 

Chiu-kang  tzu 

FINE  high-shouldered  oviform,  with  short  cylindrical  neck.  The  rich 
lapis-blue  enamelled  foundation  presents  strutting  peacocks  and  pea- 
hens that  are  separated  by  garden  rockeries  and  peony  flower  bushes.  The 
ornament,  in  sunken  outlining,  is  picked  out  in  glazed  ivory-white  and 
turquoise-blue  tones  sur  biscuit,  besides  which  an  ornate  outlined  gadroon 
border  encircles  the  base.  The  lapis-blue  neck  carries  a series  of  propitious 
cloud  patches  filled  in  with  turquoise-blue,  while  the  shoulder  itself  sustains 
a turquoise-blue  band  of  lanceolations  and  several  flanking  lines.  This 
noble  example  has  teak-wood  cover  with  carved  carnelian  agate  finial. 

Date : Early  XVI  century ; Height,  15^  inches  Diameter,  14*4  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XX 


[68] 


Plate  XX 


No.  139 


Ming 
Decorated 
Wine  Jar 


No.  140.  Yuan  Pottery  Lotus  Thalamus  Bowl 

P'an 

SHALLOW  Buddhist  “alms-bowl”  shape,  copied  from  an  ancient  bronze 
prototype.  Heavy  Tz'u  chou  ware  with  purple  and  turquoise-blue 
glazing.  The  exterior  is  moulded  with  overlapping  lotus  petals  and  glazed 
in  opaque  purplish-aubergine  tone  of  soft  old  lustre,  while  the  plain  interior, 
with  thick  rim,  presents  an  interesting  turquoise-blue  crackled  glaze  of 
luminous  and  rare  quality. 

Date:  XIV  century;  Height,  3 inches  Diameter,  9 inches 

Yuan  dynasty 


No.  141.  Tall  Ming  Decorated  Porcelain  Vase 

SLENDER  baluster  shape,  tapering  downward  to  the  base  and  with 
flaring  neck,  sustaining  two  blue  ascending  lizard-like  dragon  handles. 
The  body,  of  dense  white  porcelain  with  lustrous  blue  underglaze  decora- 
tion, displays  lotus  flowers  amid  leafy  scrolls,  heightened  by  touches  of  on- 
glaze  coral-red,  amber-yellow,  and  jade-green  enamelling.  These  details 
display  the  flowers  in  conventional  forms,  transversely  interrupted  between 
lanceolated  and  other  narrow  bands  that  surround  the  shoulder  and  base. 
A serpentine  band  under  the  rim  of  neck  carries  a green  glazed  six-character 
mark  of  the  Wan  Li  period.  Has  a characteristic  thick  Ming  biscuit  foot. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  21%  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 

era  of  Wan  Li 


No.  142.  Massive  Ming  Pottery  Tripod  Incense  Urn 

Hsiang  lu 

GLAZED  in  turquoise-blue  and  aubergine-purple,  with  two  tall  up- 
standing handles  and  three  moulded  monster-head  legs.  The  bulbous 
body  is  profusely  ornamented  with  bold  relief  details,  including  a pair  of 
purplish  aubergine  coloured  dragons  amid  turquoise-blue  foliage,  chrysan- 
themums, and  peony  flowers.  The  wide-apertured  neck  is  encircled  by 
varied  borders  and  a rim  lambrequin  with  small  equestrian  details,  uni- 
formly glazed  in  turquoise-blue.  The  curving  feet  of  this  urn  rest  upon  a 
separate  triangular  pottery  glazed  stand,  en  suite,  and  the  teak-wood  cover 
is  surmounted  by  a carved  amethyst  ornament. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  i6^4  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  143.  Massive  Ming  Pottery  Jar 

With  cover 

THE  ovoid  body  is  ornamented  with  a pair  of  four-clawed  dragons, 
modelled  in  free  relief,  that  flank  a sunken  ancestral  tablet-like  panel, 
upon  which  appears  a lengthy  inscription,  framed  by  green  cloud  scrolls  in 
relief.  The  dragons  are  glazed  in  Ming  yellow,  while  the  background  upon 
which  they  are  posed  sustains  a malachite-green  glaze  with  engraved  cloud 
designs.  The  cover,  en  suite,  is  surmounted  by  a tall  stupa-like  knob. 

Date:  XV  century;  Height,  19  inches  Diameter,  14^4  inches 

Ming  dynasty 


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No.  144.  Reticulated  Ming  Vase 

MEI  PTNG,  or  inverted  pear  shape,  with  rounded  shoulder  and  small- 
apertured  neck.  Dense  stoneweight  porcelains  glazed  in  lapis-blue 
with  white  reserves  sur  biscuit.  The  openwork  outer  shell  shows  the  figure 
of  a sage  who  is  accompanied  by  an  attendant  with  his  silk-covered  zither. 
Other  details,  moulded  in  the  paste  and  coated  in  turquoise-blue,  include 
pine  trees  and  cloud  scrolls.  A border  of  fungi  and  flower  details  encircles 
the  shoulder  in  aubergine-purple  and  amber-yellow,  while  the  base  is  sur- 
rounded by  a fanciful  openwork  gadroon  border. 

Date:  Era  of  Hsiian  Te  Height,  11%  inches  Diameter,  5^4  inches 


No.  145.  Reticulated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  receding  foot,  short  neck,  and 
broad  mouth.  It  has  an  outer  pierced  casing,  removed  from  its  con- 
tainer by  an  inch  or  more.  The  modelled  openwork  decoration  is  dominated 
by  turquoise-blue,  with  touches  of  amber-yellow,  aubergine,  and  pale 
manganese  lavender.  A group  of  sages  engaged  over  a game  of  checkers  are 
depicted,  with  attendants  bringing  refreshments.  The  background  is  com- 
posed with  reticulated  network,  cloud  forms,  fir  trees,  rockeries,  and  fungus 
clumps.  A band  of  openwork  peony  scrolls  encircles  the  shoulder,  while  an 
ornately  pierced  bordering  of  conventional  flowered  gadroon  design  com- 
pletes the  embellishment  around  the  base.  Its  cover  of  carved  teak-wood 
is  surmounted  by  an  elaborate  jade  ornament. 

Date : XVI  century ; Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  13  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXI 


[70 


No.  146.  Reticulated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  neck.  The  decoration, 
like  that  of  preceding  example,  is  apparently  a production  from  the 
same  kilns.  The  broad  openwork  shell  forms  an  outer  casing  for  a ponderous 
interior  container.  Its  rich  turquoise-blue  foundation,  with  slightly  mottled 
appearance,  shows  an  openwork  and  moulded  ornamentation,  with  the  eight 
Taoist  immortals,  or  pa  hsien,  paying  court  to  Lao-tzu,  the  god  of  longevity, 
who  is  seated  under  a pine  accompanied  by  his  deer  attribute,  amid  cloud 
scrolls,  mountains,  and  pine  trees,  picked  out  in  turquoise-blue,  amber- 
yellow,  and  ivory-white.  A band  of  openwork  peony  scrolls  encircles  the 
shoulder  in  aubergine,  white,  and  yellow,  while  the  base  below  shows  an 
ornate  gadroon  border.  Has  a teak-wood  cover  with  a carved  carnelian 
agate  finial. 

Date : XVI  century ; Height,  13^4  inches  Diameter,  13  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXI 

Similar  examples  exist  in  the  Eumorfopoulos  Collection  in  London,  and  others  were  in  the  col- 
lection of  the  late  J.  P.  Morgan. 


No.  147.  Green  and  Yellow  Ming  Pottery  Vase 

OVATE  form,  with  flaring  neck;  the  body  is  glazed  in  lustrous  malachite 
green,  and  ornamented  with  three  reticulated  floral  panels  whose  de- 
tails are  picked  out  in  contrasting  yellow  and  aubergine  hues.  The  everted 
yellow  neck  is  surrounded  by  ascending  green  serrated  leaves,  moulded  in 
relief  with  white  and  yellow  ribbings. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  21^2  inches  Diameter,  10^4  x 6 inches 

Ming  dynasty 


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No.  148.  Two  Ming  Pottery  Tripod  Supports 

THE  bold  relief  details,  with  double  row  of  scalloped  borders  in  ju-i 
head  forms,  include  three  spreading  legs  that,  with  bossing,  rest  on 
circular  bases.  The  tops  sustain  round  sunken  receptacles  for  varied  uses. 
The  whole  is  covered  by  olive-green,  amber-yellow,  deep  aubergine,  and 
turquoise-blue  glazing. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  10 inches  Diameter,  7 inches 

Ming  dynasty 


No.  149.  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

TYPICAL  bulbous  oviform  shape,  with  a rare  malachite-green  founda- 
tion of  iridescent  quality,  sustaining  slightly  raised  and  outlined  deco- 
ration in  the  form  of  long-tailed  birds,  flowering  plants,  and  rockery  motifs. 
These  details  are  glazed  in  aubergine,  turquoise,  yellow,  and  ivory-white 
tones  against  the  green  body  colour.  The  shoulder  is  surrounded  by  a 
scalloped  border,  enriched  with  lotus  flowers  and  pendent  emblems,  picked 
out  in  kindred  colours.  The  green  neck  has  a band  of  lanceolations  and  six 
cloud  patches,  and  the  base  is  finished  by  an  ornate  and  high-ascending 
gadroon  pattern.  Rare  example  of  its  class.  Fitted  with  a carved  teak-wood 
cover,  surmounted  by  jadeite  lotus  finial. 

Date : XVI  century ; Height,  13^2  inches  Diameter,  12  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXII 


GROUP  OF 
MING  STATUETTES 


I 


No.  150.  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

MODELLED  in  dignified  pose,  die  seated  figure  represents  a viceroy 
or  other  high  personage  of  Chinese  history  enthroned  on  a raised 
platform  and  glazed  in  brilliant  mottled  green,  aubergine,  and  yellow  tones. 
The  head  is  covered  by  a court  hat  and  the  hands  are  clasped  in  devout 
attitude  of  ancestral  worship,  though  the  tablet  attribute  is  missing. 

Date:  Era  of  Chia  Ch'ing;  Height,  15  inches  Width,  10  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXII 


No.  151.  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

Companion  to  the  preceding  figure 

MODELLED  in  dignified  pose,  and  representing  a young  prince  or 
other  high  personage  of  Chinese  history,  also  enthroned  on  a raised 
platform.  His  outer  garment  is  glazed  in  a brilliant  mottled  green  and 
bluish  flambe.  The  head  is  covered  by  a court  hat,  and  the  hands  are  clasped 
in  devout  attitude  of  ancestral  worship,  though  the  tablet  is  missing.  Bears 
a single  character  mark,  “Ching,”  probably  the  name  of  some  former  owner; 
the  word  also  means  “accomplished”  and  may  refer  to  the  sitter. 

Date:  Era  of  Chia  Ch'ing;  Height,  15  inches  Width,  10  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXII 


No.  152.  Ming  Pottery  Bodhisattva  Figure 

REPRESENTING  Kuan-yin,  the  most  popular  of  the  many  Chinese 
. Bodhisattvas.  Modelled  with  high  head-dress  and  tiara,  this  divinity 
is  enthroned,  on  a low  thalamus  pedestal  with  acuminated  backpiece, 
bordered  by  flame-like  scrolls.  The  simply  flowing  robes  are  glazed  in 
turquoise-blue  and  aubergine  like  the  pedestal,  while  the  face  and  the  be- 
jewelled neck  and  hands  are  in  grayish-white  biscuit  state. 

Height,  10%  inches 

[77] 


Date:  XVI  century; 
Ming  dynasty 


Width,  5 inches 


No.  153.  Two  Ming  Pottery  Statuettes,  with  Backpieces 

Companion  pieces  to  the  preceding  figure 

MODELLED  in  dignified  sedant  pose  and  uniformly  representing 
personages  of  Chinese  history,  with  beards.  Their  garments  are 
glazed  in  brilliant  turquoise  and  lapis-blue  tints,  while  their  faces,  with  the 
long  ear-lobes  of  deified  men,  are  left  in  biscuit  state.  The  hands  are  clasped 
in  devout  attitude  of  ancestral  worship,  though  the  tablets  are  missing. 

Date  : XVI  century ; Height,  10%  inches  Width,  5 inches 

era  of  Chia  Ch'ing 


No.  154.  Ming  Glazed  Pottery  Figure 

MODELLED  in  dignified  pose  and  representing  a viceroy  or  other  high 
official  (unidentified)  seated  on  a raised  platform  with  foot-stool. 
The  figure,  glazed  in  brilliant  purplish-aubergine  and  turquoise-blue,  is 
depicted  with  short  beard,  wearing  a magistrate’s  girdle,  with  green  jade 
plaquette  and  an  elaborate  head-covering  of  remote  times.  His  face,  like 
the  hands,  are  left  in  biscuit  state;  one  hand  is  held  on  his  right  knee,  while 
the  left  hand  is  raised  and  probably  held  a written  scroll.  Possibly  this 
figure  represents  one  of  a series  of  historical  personages  made  by  Li  Chang 
Chiang  during  the  last  years  of  Emperor  Chia  Ch'ing’s  reign. 

Date  : XVI  century ; Height,  24%  inches  Width,  1 1 ]/z  inches 

era  of  Chia  Ch'ing 

Plate  XXIII 


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No.  155.  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

REPRESENTING  an  historical  personage  in  priestly  garb,  with  shaven 
head.  His  long  robe  is  glazed  in  dark  purplish-aubergine  with  tur- 
quoise-blue facing  like  the  skirt.  Stands  on  a cloud  scroll,  the  socle  of 
which  is  painted  in  turquoise  and  purple. 

Date:  XVI  century  Height,  16%  inches  Width,  6 inches 

Plate  XXIII 


No.  156.  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

COMPANION  to  the  preceding;  representing  a young  magistrate  or 
noble,  assumably  of  romantic  history,  wearing  a long  begirdled  gar- 
ment glazed  in  dark  aubergine  and  turquoise-blue.  He  stands  on  cloud 
scroll  and  painted  socle. 

Date:  XVI  century  Height,  16%  inches  Width,  6 inches 

Plate  XXIII 


No.  157.  Ming  Pottery  Group 

REPRESENTING  Lao-tzu  riding  upon  an  ox.  The  old  philosopher 
. and  founder  of  Taoism  is  modelled,  in  accordance  with  native  pictorial 
tradition,  as  a venerable  man  with  lofty  brow  and  long  beard.  His  garments 
are  glazed  in  turquoise-blue  and  amber-yellow,  while  his  face  is  coated  with 
gold  lacquer.  These  colours  are  repeated  on  the  buffalo-ox,  with  the  addi- 
tion of  green  and  aubergine  tints  on  its  pottery  base. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  9*4  inches  Length,  7 inches 

Ming  dynasty 


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No.  158.  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

A YOUTHFUL  priest  is  represented  with  fly-brush,  standing  on  amber- 
coloured  scrolls.  His  long-sleeved  garment  is  glazed  in  turquoise-blue 
enriched  by  purplish-aubergine  coloured  edgings.  The  hos'su,  or  fly-brush, 
is  held  in  his  right  hand,  while  the  left  is  hidden  under  the  long  sleeve.  The 
added  square  socle  is  coloured  cement  plaster. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  16%  inches  Width,  6 inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXIV 


No.  159.  Ming  Pottery  Statuette 

Companion  to  the  preceding 

REPRESENTING  a court  official,  with  beard  and  black  court  hat  of 
. ancient  times.  Standing  on  a cloud  scroll  with  square  socle  painted 
in  turquoise  tints,  he  wears  a long  yellow  and  turquoise  robe,  and  holds  his 
hands  across  the  body  and  hidden  by  the  long  sleeves  of  his  garment. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  17  inches  Width,  6 inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXIV 


No.  160.  Ming  Pottery  Figure  on  Bench 

REPRESENTING  a bearded  magistrate  or  viceroy  in  sedant  attitude 
with  long  beard  and  the  elongated  ear-lobes  of  wisdom,  and  wearing  an 
olive-brown  head-covering  with  green  jade  button.  His  empty  left  hand 
rests  on  the  knee,  while  his  right  hand  touches  the  girdle.  Depicted  in  a 
long-sleeved  outer  garment  of  old  russet  colour,  enriched  with  a phcenix- 
bird  device.  The  long  bench  is  glazed  in  green  with  yellow  borders  and 
end  panels.  Bears  an  inscription,  made  by  a former  native  owner,  reading: 
“On  the  New  Year  day  of  the  Wei  star,  in  the  first  month  of  the  year  1697, 
peace  reigns.” 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  13  inches  Width,  9 inches 


[80] 


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No.  161.  Ming  Pottery  Equestrian  Statuette 

REPRESENTING  an  ancient  helmeted  warrior  in  lustrous  myrtle-green 
glazed  coat.  His  mount,  with  green  and  yellow  trappings,  shows  a 
deep  amber  colour.  The  group  is  posed  on  a half-round  architectural  roof- 
tile  or  apex  finial. 

Date : XVI  century  Height,  16  inches  Length,  1 1 *4  inches 


No.  162.  Ming  Pottery  Bodhisattva  Figure 

REPRESENTING  Kuan-yin,  the  compassionate  hearer  of  prayers, 
strongly  modelled  in  the  sedant  attitude  of  listening,  upon  a fanciful 
pedestal  of  rock  formation  that  is  separately  glazed  in  turquoise,  aubergine, 
and  yellow.  The  benign  figure  is  clothed  in  simple  flowing  robes  of  Ming 
green  with  yellow  cape  and  turquoise  edging,  and  wears  a high  head-dress 
centred  by  a miniature  Buddha  image.  Her  face,  together  with  the  jewel- 
bedecked  neck,  shows  old  gilding,  while  her  hands  are  hidden  under  the 
capacious  sleeves. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  15  inches  Width,  8 34  inches  at  base 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXV 


No.  163.  Similar  Pottery  Bodhisattva  Figure 

REPRESENTING  Kuan-yin  with  gold-lacquered  face  and  neck  and 
. clothed  in  flowing  robes  of  turquoise-blue  with  yellow  and  aubergine 
shoulder  cape.  Same  date  as  the  above  example. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  153/2  inches  Width,  8 $4  inches 


Plate  XXV 


No.  164.  Ming  Pottery  Figure 

With  bench 

REPRESENTING  an  aged  white-bearded  state  official  or  minister, 
modelled  in  dignified  pose,  clothed  in  ancient  style,  and  seated  on  a 
long  bench  with  platform,  holding  a ju-i  sceptre  (emblem  of  office).  He  is 
shown  in  rich  lapis-blue  glazed  outer  tunic  with  white  lapels  and  tasselled 
yellow  under-garment.  The  bench  is  glazed  in  yellow  with  purplish-blue 
ends. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  14^  inches  Width,  9 y2  inches 

Ming  dynasty 

Plate  XXV 


No.  165.  Pair  of  Ming  Fuh-lions 

STRONGLY  modelled,  the  t'ai  shih  animals,  with  trappings,  sustain 
openings  for  varied  objects.  They  are  posed  standing  on  green  glazed 
oblong  base  with  grinning  muzzles,  while  their  heads  and  bodies  are  coated 
in  translucent  amber-yellow  and  lustrous  light-green  glazing,  thinly  applied 
sur  biscuit. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  534  inches  Length,  7^2  inches 


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VARIED  INTERESTING  MING 
VASES  AND  JARS 


No.  166.  Imperial  Decorated  Vase 

BALUSTER  shape,  its  bulbous  body  and  tubular  neck  showing  vertical 
projecting  ridges,  with  a characteristic  three-colour  or  san  ts'ai  decora- 
tion. The  principal  details  of  design  depict  five-clawed  dragons  in  rouge 
de  fer  amid  red  flowers  and  green  leaves.  The  decoration,  completed  by 
divers  borderings  in  floral  and  emblem  forms,  includes  leaf-green,  coral-red, 
and  amber-yellow,  painted  over  the  white  glazed  body  in  the  nature  of 
enamels,  and  fixed  by  a second  (mouffle)  firing,  like  others  of  its  class.  Pro- 
duced by  the  Imperial  factory  and  bearing  a six-character  mark  of  its 
period.  The  upper  rim  is  ground  down. 

Date : XVI  century ; Height,  14%  inches  Diameter,  6y2  inches 

era  of  Wan  Li 


No.  167.  Two  Imperial  Decorated  Vases 

TALL  baluster  shapes  with  bulbous  centres,  sustaining  everted  bases  and 
tubular  necks.  Produced  by  the  Imperial  factory,  with  the  wu  ts'ai 
or  five-colour  decoration;  details  on  their  necks  include  a combination  of 
five-clawed  dragons  in  quest  of  the  effulgent  pearl  amid  nebulae  and  flowers. 
The  ovoid  central  sections  display  peacocks  and  peahens  on  rockeries,  sur- 
rounded by  flowering  plants  with  rouge-de-fer  blossoms.  Divers  lance- 
olated  and  scroll  bands  surround  the  upper  segments,  while  the  massive 
bases  sustain  symbolical  “wave  and  pointed  rock”  motifs. 

Date : XVI  century ; Height,  19  inches  Diameter,  7 y2  inches 

Wan  Li  period 


No.  168.  Tall  Decorated  Lotus-flower  Vase 


SLENDER  baluster  shape,  with  tubular  neck  and  spreading  foot. 

Strongly  built  Ming  stoneweight  porcelain,  its  white  body  presenting 
a stained  crackle  glazing  with  an  evenly  distributed  overglaze  five-colour 
decoration  (wu  ts'ai)  composed  with  scrolling  stems  that  bear  lotus  and 
chrysanthemum  flowers  together  with  curling  foliage.  Conventional  nar- 
row borders  surround  the  shoulder  and  base,  including  a rich  underglaze 
Mohammedan-blue;  the  other  colours  employed  are  leaf-green,  amber- 
yellow,  manganese-purple,  and  blue-green,  with  black  outlining.  The  rim 
of  neck,  which  was  ground  off,  still  sustains  four  blue  characters  of  an  in- 
scription, which  possibly  indicate  the  year  of  its  production.  Underneath, 
the  foot  bears  a four-character  mark  of  the  Ch'eng  Hua  period. 

Date:  XV  century  Height,  18%  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 

Plate  XXVI 

A similar  example  is  in  the  British  Museum  and  another  in  the  collection  of  Lord  Kitchener. 


No.  169.  Rare  Three-coloured  Dragon  Bottle 

PYRIFORM  shape,  with  long  slender  neck,  presenting  a brilliant  mottled 
malachite-green  glazing,  sur  biscuit,  that  terminates  in  a turquoise  tint 
at  the  base.  A free-relief  three-clawed  ch'ih-lung  dragon,  picked  out  in 
turquoise-blue,  yellow,  and  white,  encircles  the  neck,  the  scowling  head 
almost  reaching  the  expanded  upper  rim,  while  the  bicleft  tail  spreads  over 
the  bulbous  body  below,  amid  raised  scrolling  stems  in  dark  aubergine. 
Underneath,  the  foot  shows  a buff-toned  biscuit  state. 

Date : Era  of  Hsuan  Te  Height,  16%  inches  Diameter,  7^4  inches 

Plate  XXVI 


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No.  170.  Rare  Green  and  Yellow  Decorated  Vase 

FLATTENED  quadrangular  shape,  with  pendulous  body,  presenting 
two  bombe  sides.  The  receding  angular  neck  sustains  two  yellow 
lizard-like  dragon  handles  modelled  in  free  relief.  The  decoration,  sur 
biscuit,  spreading  over  its  four  sides,  is  dominated  by  a brocading  in  green 
and  yellow  lattice  pattern,  interrupted  on  each  side  by  foliated  yellow 
medallions  that  enclose  green  arabesque  scrolls.  Ascending  green  plantain 
leaves  encircle  the  neck,  and  are  outlined  in  amber-yellow  against  its 
minutely  painted  lattice  background.  This  geometrical  motif,  with  short 
reversed  leafage,  is  repeated  on  the  pyramidal  base,  together  with  a recip- 
rocal green  and  yellow  flange  band  at  foot,  while  other  ornate  borders  finish 
the  rim  of  neck  in  this  noteworthy  example. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  16 % inches  Width,  7x5  inches 

Plate  XXVI 


No.  171.  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  gallipot  (mei  p'ing)  shape,  with  short  everted 
neck.  A five-colour  or  wu  ts'ai  overglaze  decoration,  with  coral-red 
diapered  ground,  is  presented  in  the  form  of  tall  magnolia  trees  filled  with 
light  reseda  green  blossoms  and  growing  among  green  bamboo  shoots  near 
rocks;  birds  and  varied  narrow  borders  complete  the  details. 

Date:  XVI  century  Height,  13  inches  Diameter,  5^2  inches 


No.  172.  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  gallipot  (mei  p'ing)  shape,  similar  to  the  pre- 
ceding example  but  slightly  taller.  The  coloured  decoration,  with 
flowering  magnolia  trees  including  yellow  peony-like  guelder  roses,  is  im- 
posed against  the  coral-red  diapered  ground. 


Date : XVI  century 


Height,  13^2  inches 


Diameter,  5^  inches 


No.  173.  Unique  Decorated  Ming  Bottle 

CYLINDRICAL  shape,  with  contracted  shoulder  and  tubular  neck.  A 
formal  overglaze  decoration  in  five  colours  (wu  ts'ai)  is  presented  in 
the  form  of  fanciful  geometrical  and  other  borders,  including  two  rows  of 
round  vignetted  mei  blossoms  which  are  symmetrically  posed  near  the  shoul- 
der and  base  on  a ground  of  coral-red  diaper  brocading.  This  design  is  fin- 
ished in  scalloped  outlines,  with  tassels  and  pendent  emblems  against  the 
reserved  white  mid-section.  Has  a thick  biscuit  foot. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  15%  inches  Diameter,  534  inches 


No.  174.  Ming  Five-colour  Wine  Jar 

GLOBULAR  shape,  with  short  everted  neck,  the  overglaze  decoration, 
in  Wan  Li  colours  (wu  ts'ai)  dominated  by  rouge  de  fer,  presenting 
varied  border  motifs  together  with  a deep  lanceolated  lambrequin  whose 
lappets,  outlined  in  red  and  blue,  are  filled  in  with  red  peony  flower  sprays 
on  a coral-red  ground  of  “frog-spawn”  brocading.  The  intermediate  white 
field  below  displays  four  storks,  together  with  small  emblems  and  scrolled 
nebulae  patches,  while  the  foot  is  encircled  by  a border  of  red  and  green 
lotus  petals. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  13%  inches  Diameter,  9 34  inches 


No.  175.  Pair  of  Wan  Li  Porcelain  Cabinet  Bottles 

GOURD  shapes,  with  overglaze  decoration  in  five  colours  (wu  ts'ai), 
the  lower  segments  presenting  a pair  of  phoenix  birds  among  peony 
flowers.  Painted  in  overglaze  green,  yellow,  and  coral-red,  while  the 
bulbous  neck  sustains  other  coral-red  peony-like  guelder  roses;  cognately, 
coral-red  nebulae  emblems  surround  both  the  necks  and  attenuated  centres, 
flanked  by  underglaze  blue  hair-lines. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  &y2  inches  Diameter,  y/2  inches 

[88] 


No.  176.  Decorated  Wan  Li  Jar 

BULBOUS  gallipot  shape,  with  low-apertured  neck.  The  on-glaze  paint- 
1 ing  in  five  colours  (wu  ts'ai) , showing  a series  of  interlaced  ellipsoidal 
flower-bearing  panels,  flanked  by  butterflies  against  a ground  of  coral-red 
diaper  brocading.  Above,  the  shoulder  carries  a red  brocaded  major  border 
interrupted  by  white  vignettes  that  display  small  Taoist  emblems.  Other 
narrow  bands  finish  the  neck  and  foot. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  5%  inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


No.  177.  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

CYLINDRICAL  shape  (hua  p'ing),  with  short  attenuated  neck,  pre- 
senting a so-called  five-colour  decoration  in  the  form  of  symbolical 
flowering  plants,  including  red  peonies  and  chrysanthemums  that  spring 
from  amid  blue  rocks.  These  details  are  posed  together  with  birds  against 
a coral-red  (honeycomb)  brocaded  background.  Has  biscuit  foot. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  16  inches  Diameter,  5^4  inches 


No.  178.  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

CYLINDRICAL  shape  (hua  p'ing),  with  details  similar  to  the  pre- 
ceding example,  but  shorter-bodied;  the  five-colour  (wu  ts'ai)  embel- 
lishment including  magnolia  blossoms,  swallows,  and  other  birds  freely 
posed  against  a coral-red  (scale  pattern)  background. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  14^2  inches  Diameter,  5^4  inches 


:89: 


No.  179.  Ming  Lotus  and  Crane  Vase 

With  green  foundation 

ROUND-SHOULDERED  baluster  shape,  with  everted  foot  and  short 
neck.  Ming  stoneware  porcelain,  invested  with  a translucent  three- 
colour  lotus  flower  and  bird  decoration  sur  biscuit.  The  bold  and  freely 
rendered  details,  with  black  outlining  against  a light  turquoise-green  ground 
of  mottled  bluish  nuance,  present  pale  yellow,  white,  and  bluish-tinged 
blossoms  amid  large  peltate  foliage  of  aquatic  plants,  done  in  varying  tones 
of  light  and  dark  leaf-greens,  whose  stems  start  at  the  base  from  the  shallow 
water-lines  that  suggest  the  pond.  Three  cranes  (yellow  and  purplish 
aubergine)  appear  flying  above  the  flowers.  Underneath,  the  heavy  sunken 
foot  is  in  unglazed  biscuit  state.  The  technique  and  strength  of  the  coloured 
decoration  are  ascribable  to  the  Great  Ming  dynasty. 

Date:  XVI  century  Height,  16  inches  Diameter,  8^4  inches 

Plate  XXVII 


No.  180.  Pair  of  Decorated  Vases 

With  yellow  foundations 

TALL  beaker  shapes  with  flaring  necks  and  everted  bases.  The  over- 
glaze painting  at  the  necks,  in  early  famille  verte  colours  against  a 
lustrous  golden-yellow  (chin  huang)  ground,  depicts  ceremonial  scenes  and 
official  visits  between  high  mandarins,  while  the  bulbous  centres  uniformly 
sustain  twigs  of  peach  trees  with  fruit  and  foliage.  The  lower  segments 
display  groups  of  playing  boys.  Underneath,  the  white  glazed  panel  bears 
a six-character  mark  within  rings,  reading:  “Ta  Ming  Ch'eng  Hua  nien 
chih,”  ascribable  to  the  K'ang  Hsi  period. 

Date : XVII  century ; Height,  17^2  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 

Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty 


Plate  XXVII 


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No.  181.  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  with  lattice  diapered  background.  The  panel,  in  wu  ts'ai 
colours,  presents  the  symbolical  “four-season  flowers,”  notably  the 
peony  for  spring,  lotus  for  summer,  chrysanthemum  for  autumn,  and  prunus 
(mei)  for  winter.  Broadly  framed  by  characteristic  triple  border  in  varied 
colours,  while  the  reverse  side  sustains  freely  posed  flowering  twigs.  With- 
out mark. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13  inches 


No.  182.  Another  Large  Ming  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  with  lattice  diapered  background  sustaining  similar  sym- 
bolic floral  and  border  decoration  in  overglaze  wu  ts'ai  colours.  This 
example  is  distinguished  for  its  inner  band  of  yellow  and  rouge-de-fer  ju-i 
head  lanceolation.  Its  reverse  side,  with  three  floral  sprays,  bears  a blue 
leaf  mark  of  its  period  within  a double  ring. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13^  inches 


No.  183.  Rare  Decorated  Ming  Bottle 

A STATELY  gourd  shape  of  sonorous  early  Ming  porcelain.  The  over- 
glaze decoration,  dominated  by  rouge  de  fer  of  deep  coral-red  nuance, 
presents  plain  and  ornate  linear  bands  with  red  ch'ien  diapered  grounds;  the 
details  include  four  cinquefoil  medallions  which  separately  enclose  varied 
groups  of  two  genii.  Thus  the  eight  pa  hsien  of  the  Taoist  pantheon  are 
completely  represented  [vide  No.  347  for  their  descriptions).  The  figures 
are  painted  in  light  jade-green  and  amber-yellow  with  black  outlining. 


Date : Era  of  Wan  Li 


Height,  21  inches 


Diameter,  9^  inches 


No.  184.  Pair  of  Ming  Porcelain  Monster  Urn  Censers 

FASHIONED  after  an  ancient  bronze  prototype  in  the  composite  forms 
of  fabulous  quadruped  animals  like  the  one-horned  ch'i-lin  or  kai-mai, 
with  fierce  look  and  open  muzzles,  their  heads  serving  as  movable  covers 
for  the  bodies.  Presenting  a five-colour  decoration,  dominated  by  rich  on- 
glaze  rouge-de-fer  red  and  underglaze  cobalt-blue;  the  details  include 
dragon  and  floral  scrolls.  These  animals  sustain  neck  bells  and  flame-like 
appendages,  introduced  as  symbols  of  their  divine  attributes. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  12  inches  Length,  9 inches 


No.  185.  Decorated  Ming  Flower  Vase 

CYLINDRICAL  shape,  with  attenuated  short  neck  (hua  p'ing).  Its 
decoration  in  five  colours  (wu  ts'ai)  is  composed  with  reciprocal 
white-bodied  ascending  sceptre  heads  and  descending  lambrequin  border- 
ing, whose  lappets  enclose  sprays  of  lotus  and  peony  flowers,  while  the  inter- 
mediate field  is  covered  over  by  a coral-red  brocading  in  geometric  patterns. 
The  overglaze  painting  is  completed  by  varied  narrow  geometric  bands  in 
coral-red  that  surround  both  the  neck  and  base. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  5^  inches 

Plate  XXVIII 


No.  186.  Decorated  Ming  Vase 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  gallipot  shape,  with  short  neck  and  everted 
foot.  Stoneweight  porcelain,  its  overglaze  decoration,  with  a coral- 
red  diaper  pattern  ground,  presenting  an  aubergine  magnolia  tree  with 
reseda  white  blossoms  and  green  foliage,  the  five-colour  details,  dominated 
by  rouge  de  fer,  including  birds  and  rocks,  together  with  a series  of  borders 
at  the  neck  and  base. 


Date : Era  of  Wan  Li 


Height,  1 2 inches 


Diameter,  sl/2  inches 


No.  187.  Ming  Five-colour  Wine  Jar 

Chiu  fan-tzu 

BULBOUS  oviform,  with  wide-apertured  neck;  sonorous  Ming  porcelain 
with  overglaze  painting  in  five  colours.  The  design  presents  four 
quadratic  panels  which  display  flowering  plants  in  conical  jars,  posed  against 
tessellated  backgrounds.  These  picture  panels,  framed  by  green  and  red 
brocaded  borders,  are  further  decorated  with  coral-red  stellated  diaper  bro- 
cading in  narrow  and  vertical  forms.  The  shoulder,  with  similar  coral-red 
diapering,  sustains  a broadly  outlined  scalloped  border,  filled  in  with 
chrysanthemum  flowers  and  green  scrolls;  this  floral  motif  is  repeated  at  the 
base  on  white  ground.  Has  unglazed  biscuit  foot. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  1 1 *4  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  9 inches 

Plate  XXVIII 


No.  188.  Another  Five-colour  Wine  Jar 

Chiu  fan-tzu 

BULBOUS  oviform,  companion  to  the  preceding,  with  similar  details, 
but,  instead  of  the  flowering  plants,  the  four  quadrangular  panels  pre- 
sent chimerical  fuh-lions  amid  landscape  settings.  The  interposed  vertical 
bands  of  coral-red  brocading  also  differ  by  showing  feathered  diaper  pat- 
terns on  this  example. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  iil/2  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  9 inches 


Plate  XXVIII 


No.  189.  Ming  Five-colour  Beaker 

TALL  cornet  shape,  with  flaring  neck  and  spreading  base,  the  overglaze 
five-colour  decoration  presenting  a panoramic  landscape  view  with 
habitation,  lake,  and  boatmen,  supplemented  by  a band  of  red  feather 
brocading  under  the  rim,  with  floral  sprays  and  narrow  flanking  bands.  The 
ovate  middle  segment  sustains  a pair  of  aubergine  shih-lung  dragons,  posed 
against  the  red  diaper  brocading  that  is  enclosed  by  flanking  narrow  yellow 
and  green  bands.  The  lower  spreading  foot  segment  displays  “sea  horses” 
over  a red  ground  of  wave  pattern. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  15  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  190.  Pair  of  Wan  Li  Vases 

GRACEFUL  oviform  shapes,  with  short  necks ; the  overglaze  decoration, 
in  five  colours  on  white  ground,  presenting  a pair  of  lion-dogs  or 
shih-tzu  posed  amid  mu-tan  peony  flowers,  painted  in  the  varied  colours  of 
the  assigned  period.  The  shoulder  is  encircled  by  a blue  vermiculated  band, 
and  the  neck  is  embellished  with  peony  sprays. 


Date  : Era  of  Wan  Li 


Height,  io^4  inches 


Diameter,  inches 


No.  191.  Ming  Five-coloured  Wine  Jar 

Chiu  { an-tzu 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  painted  in  five  colours  of  the  Wan  Li 
period.  The  decoration,  on  iron-red  (fan  hung)  ground,  depicts  an 
interior  with  a high  official  clad  in  robes  of  an  early  dynasty,  who,  sur- 
rounded by  his  retinue  of  attendants  and  state  fan-bearers,  is  receiving  a 
princely  visitor.  The  accessories  show  a garden  view  with  green  trees  and 
a blue  rockery,  where  a snake  is  introduced  by  the  artist.  The  deep  cobalt- 
blue  is  under  the  glaze,  while  the  leaf-green,  coral-red,  amber-yellow,  and 
aubergine-purple  are  in  overglaze  rendering.  Underneath,  the  foot  is  in 
biscuit  state.  Has  a carved  teak-wood  cover  with  jade  ornament. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  12  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  192.  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

Chiu  f an-tzu 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  neck,  in  biscuit  state.  The 
five-coloured  overglaze  decoration  is  on  coral-red  feather  diaper  pat- 
tern ground,  the  details  presenting  a large  ch'i-lin  seated,  under  cloud 
patches,  on  deep  blue  rocks  close  to  palm  trees.  The  shoulder  is  encircled 
by  a red  vermiculated  band.  Underneath,  the  foot  is  in  flat  biscuit  state. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  ioj4  inches  Diameter,  Sj4  inches 


[95] 


No.  193.  Pair  of  Decorated  Ming  Vases 

Wu  ts'ai  yao 

BEAKER  shapes,  with  spreading  bases  and  flaring  necks,  decorated  in  on- 
glaze  five-colour  variety  against  the  pellucid  white  body  glazing,  each 
example  depicting  clusters  of  symbolic  peaches  on  the  lower  sections  and 
sprays  of  chrysanthemum  blossoms  on  the  middle  segments,  while  the  tall 
necks  uniformly  present  ceremonial  scenes  in  terraced  gardens  with  high 
mandarins  and  their  fan-bearing  attendants.  The  accessories  include  blue 
underglaze  palm  trees. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  1 6^4  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 

Plate  XXIX 


No.  194.  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

Chiu  fan-tzu 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  neck,  invested  with  the  so- 
called  five-colour  (wu  ts'ai)  decoration  peculiar  to  its  provenance. 
The  details  include  a garden  scene  with  summer  pavilion  and  female  musi- 
cians, whose  playing  appears  to  have  attracted  fairy  genii  borne  upon  coral- 
red  clouds.  A terrace,  trees,  rocks,  pond,  and  cloud  strata,  together  with 
bordering  at  the  shoulder,  complete  the  painting.  Bears  potter’s  seal  or 
studio  mark,  “Fu,”  meaning  “happiness.”  The  original  porcelain  cover  is 
decorated  in  cognate  colours  with  playing  children. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  16%  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  9 inches 


Plate  XXIX 


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No.  195.  Ming  Decorated  Vase 

IOW  oviform,  with  broad  neck.  The  five-colour  or  wu  ts'ai  decoration,  on 
white  ground,  shows  lanceolated  lambrequin  bordering  whose  lappets 
in  green  outlining  enclose  lotus-flower  motifs.  Below  these  the  body  sustains 
a red  diapered  ground  in  small  net  pattern,  over  which  are  posed  varied 
“shell”  and  “coin”  emblems.  Narrow  bands  of  green  chevron  and  red  scroll 
design  encircle  the  neck. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  6^4  inches  Diameter,  6 inches 


No.  196.  Ming  Decorated  Vase 

0UASI-GOURD  shape,  with  small-apertured  neck  and  quadrangular 
lower  segment.  Dense  white  Ming  porcelain,  decorated  in  the  five 
colours  (wu  ts'ai)  peculiar  to  its  provenance,  including  a dark  underglaze 
cobalt-blue  and  on-glaze  rouge-de-fer  red,  with  touches  of  green  and  yellow. 
The  design  presents  small  lotus  flowers  amid  scrolling  vines,  a descending 
leaf  border  encircling  the  neck. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  9*4  inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  197.  Decorated  Ming  Jar 

GLOBULAR  shape,  with  short  neck  and  original  cover.  Sonorous 
white  Ming  porcelain,  with  the  so-called  five-colour  decoration,  in 
panels,  representing  amber-yellow,  aubergine,  and  light  green  fish  swim- 
ming among  blossoms  and  seaweeds.  The  shoulder,  like  the  base,  is  sur- 
rounded by  a quadrifoil  lambrequin  motif  enclosing  green  and  red  swastika 
fret  patterns,  while  the  neck  is  bordered  in  red  and  green  dentated  leaf  de- 
signs. 


Date : Ming  dynasty 


Height,  14  inches 


Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  198.  Pair  of  Ming  Jars 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform  shapes,  with  short  necks  and  original 
covers.  The  five-colour  decoration  is  composed  of  a series  of  four  ver- 
tical panels  that  display  varied  swimming  and  leaping  fish  amid  weeds,  the 
details  including  distant  mountain  peaks  and  sun  discs.  Above  these  red, 
green,  and  yellow  framed  panels  appear  coral-red  and  white  stellated  diaper 
patterns,  the  shoulder  and  neck  being  embellished  by  lanceolated  and  her- 
ring-bone bordering,  painted  in  kindred  amber-yellow,  jade-green,  and 
coral-red  colours. 

Date : Wan  Li  period  Height,  14  inches  with  covers  Diameter,  8 inches 

Plate  XXX 


No.  199.  Ming  Five-colour  Jar 

BULBOUS  oviform,  with  original  cover,  the  so-called  five-colour  decora- 
tions, with  four  vertical  panels,  presenting  lotus,  peony,  and  magnolia 
trees  in  blossom.  These  symbolical  flower  motifs  are  broadly  outlined  and 
posed  against  a coral-red  imbricated  foundation  of  scale  diapering,  inter- 
rupted at  the  shoulder  and  base  by  green  and  red  lanceolations,  while  the 
neck  segment  is  surrounded  by  fanciful  green  and  red  scrolling  foliations. 
Underneath,  the  foot  is  in  biscuit  state. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  14  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  9 inches 

Plate  XXX 


No.  200.  Blue  and  Red  Ming  Jar 

BULBOUS  oviform,  with  short  everted  neck.  Sonorous  Ming  dynasty 
porcelain  with  soft-lustred  coral  (rouge-de-fer)  foundation,  displaying 
a brilliant  blue  underglaze  lotus-flower  decoration  and  leafy  scrolls.  A 
double  bordering  in  flowered  chevron  and  scroll  patterns  encircles  the 
shoulder  and  neck.  Underneath,  the  foot  is  left  in  unglazed  biscuit  state. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  8*4  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 

C98] 


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No.  201.  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  everted  neck.  The  five- 
colour  overglaze  decoration,  upon  a deep  rouge-de-fer  (fan  hung) 
ground,  displays  a grape-vine  motif  done  in  aubergine,  green,  and  yellow, 
together  with  a rich  underglaze  cobalt-blue;  the  details  including  blue  rocks 
at  the  base  and  varied  bordering  at  the  shoulder.  Has  carved  teak-wood 
cover  with  jade  knob  ornament. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  12 % inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  202.  Decorated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  everted  neck.  The  over- 
glaze decoration,  in  five  colours,  posed  against  a lustrous  and  deep 
rouge-de-fer  (fan  hung)  red  glaze,  sustains  yellow  and  green  soaring  four- 
clawed  dragons  that  have  risen  from  waves  and  pointed  rocks  in  quest  of  the 
effulgent  pearl  amid  nebulae  and  cloud  patches.  The  shoulder  is  encircled 
by  a band  in  blue  and  white  “cracked  ice”  pattern,  and  the  neck  by  a blue 
and  green  serrated  border.  Has  original  porcelain  cover  with  blue  glazed 
knob. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  15  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  203.  Green  and  Red  Ming  Cabinet  Vase 

GOURD  shape,  with  jade-green  foundation,  presenting  coral-red  (rouge- 
de-fer)  lotus-scroll  motifs  together  with  a bordering  of  vines  on  the 
bulbous  lower  segment.  Underneath,  the  panel  bears  a deep  blue  six- 
character  nien  hao  mark  of  its  period  within  rings,  reading:  “Ta  Ming 
Wan-li  nien  chih.” 


Date : Era  of  Wan  Li 


Height,  7^  inches 


Diameter,  4^  inches 


No.  204.  Decorated  Wan  Li  Jardiniere 

ELONGATED  hexagonal  shape,  the  oblong  green  and  red  bordered 
panels  depicting  a pair  of  phoenix  birds  on  the  obverse  side  and  a pair 
of  ducks  in  a lotus  pond  on  the  reverse  side,  while  the  four  end  panels  in 
circular  shape  sustain  lotus-flower  motifs.  Varied  marginal  borders  finish 
the  upper  rim  and  spreading  base. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  4 inches  Width,  7 yA  x 5*4  inches 

Plate  XXXI 


No.  205.  Decorated  Ming  Gourd-shaped  Bottle 

WITH  a pellucid  white-glazed  foundation  sustaining  a characteristic 
lotus-flower  motif  evenly  distributed  amid  scrolling  stems  and  folia- 
tions. The  blossoms  are  painted  in  varied  colours  of  the  Wan  Li  period, 
showing  purplish  aubergine,  leaf-green,  coral-red  (rouge  de  fer),  and  un- 
derglaze cobalt-blue.  The  upper  and  lower  decorated  segments  are  divided 
by  narrow  linear  rouge-de-fer  bands.  Underneath,  the  foot  bears  a Ming 
six-character  mark  of  its  period  within  rings. 

Date:  Era  of  Chia  Ch'ing  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  Sy2  inches 

Plate  XXXI 


No.  206.  Decorated  Ming  Gourd-shaped  Bottle 

WITH  a pellucid  white-glazed  foundation  sustaining  characteristic 
lotus-flower  decoration  together  with  scrolling  stems  and  foliations. 
The  lotus  motifs  appear  on  the  bulbous  upper  segment  and  below  amid 
ovate  panel  forms.  The  blossoms  are  painted  in  varied  colours  of  the  Wan  Li 
period,  showing  purplish  aubergine,  leaf-green,  coral-red  (rouge  de  fer), 
and  underglaze  cobalt-blue.  The  upper  and  lower  segments  are  divided  by 
decorated  linear  and  serpentine  bands. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  16  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 

Plate  XXXI 

[iooJ 


No.  207.  Imperial  Yellow  and  Green  Wan  Li  Jar 

OVOID  shape,  the  decoration,  with  engraved  outlines  and  translucent 
jade-green  background,  displaying  a series  of  interlaced  panels  that 
enclose  Imperial  yellow  dragons.  The  shoulder  is  encircled  by  an  ornate 
green  and  yellow  gadroon  border  with  flanking  yellow  bands,  while  the  base 
is  finished  by  a green  and  yellow  flowered  bordering.  Underneath,  the  foot 
bears  a six-character  mark  of  its  period. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  7 inches  Diameter,  6^4  inches 


No.  208.  Pair  of  Early  Famille  Verte  Jars 

OVOID  shape,  the  three-coloured  decoration,  sur  biscuit,  showing  red 
and  purple  mei  hua  blossoms  amid  Buddhistic  (pa  pao)  symbols  float- 
ing on  sea  waves,  represented  by  concentric  black  scrolls  upon  a green 
ground,  with  pointed  rocks  and  wave  crests  at  the  bases.  The  wide-aper- 
tured  neck  is  surrounded  by  simple  red  and  green  dentations.  Ming  type. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  7 inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  209.  Early  Famille  Verte  Jars 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding,  but  with  aubergine  glazed  ground  presenting 
the  “jewel  mountain  and  sea  wave”  motif. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  7 inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


[101  2 


No.  210.  Pair  of  Early  Famille  Verte  Wine  Jars 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  cylindrical  necks.  The 
overglaze  decoration,  in  famille  verte  genre,  presents  the  “jewel  moun- 
tain and  sea  wave”  motif,  with  floating  mei  blossoms  and  the  eight  precious 
(pa  pao)  emblems,  picked  out  in  varied  colours  against  a white  and  red 
wave  scrolled  background.  The  symbolical  details  are  supplemented  by 
four  scampering  “sea  horses,”  done  alternately  in  yellow  and  light  aubergine 
glazing,  between  high  blue  peaks  and  green  sea  spray.  The  necks  are  en- 
circled by  polychrome  dentations  and  blue  streaked  band.  The  panel  un- 
derneath one  sustains  a seal  mark  “Fu,”  of  the  potter’s  studio.  The  porce- 
lain bell-shaped  covers  are  decorated  en  suite. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  17  inches  with  covers  Diameter,  10  inches 

Plate  XXXII 


No.  211.  Pair  of  Early  Famille  Verte  Jars 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding,  with  green  ground,  and  representing  the 
“jewel  mountain  and  concentric  sea  wave”  motif,  with  blossoms  and  the 
scampering  “sea  horses”  between  four  high-towering  blue  peaks  of  the  jewel 
mountain  and  red  sea  spray.  The  covers  are  en  suite. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  i6y2  inches  with  covers  Diameter,  9^4  inches 
era  of  Wan  Li 


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No.  212.  Pair  of  Early  Famille  Verte  Wine  Jars 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  cylindrical  necks.  The 
overglaze  decoration  on  these  examples  presents  the  “jewel  mountain 
and  sea  wave”  motif  with  floating  mei  blossoms  and  emblems  of  the  pa  pao, 
or  “eight  precious  things,”  picked  out  in  varied  colours  against  the  green 
foundation,  with  waves  outlined  in  concentric  black  scrolls.  The  details, 
with  white  whorls  of  spray,  are  supplemented  by  a wide  floral  border  en- 
circling the  shoulder.  The  porcelain  bell-shaped  covers  are  en  suite. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  17  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  213.  Two  Decorated  Wan  Li  Wine  Jars 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  overglaze  decoration  in  five  col- 
ours (wu  ts'ai),  presenting  the  jewel  mountain  and  scampering  sea- 
horse motifs,  together  with  yellow  and  green  mei  blossoms  on  a red  and 
white  concentric  wave  pattern  ground,  in  which  these  examples  differ  from 
No.  210.  With  teak-wood  covers. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  16 24  inches  Diameter,  9^4  inches 


No.  214.  Unique  Reticulated  Ming  Wine  Jar 

ITS  wide,  oviform  contour,  moulded  in  sonorous  white  porcelain,  presents 
raised  ornamentation  that  is  supplemented  by  cobalt-blue  and  copper-red 
underglaze  decoration  against  the  lustrous  white  foundation.  The  outer 
shell,  with  four  ornately  pierced  panels,  includes  bas-relief  floral  and  foliage 
details,  together  with  a scalloped  lambrequin  border  at  the  shoulder,  whose 
lappets  sustain  chrysanthemum  flowers,  while  the  base  is  encircled  by  a 
fanciful  gadroon  border.  Mounted  on  a stand  of  ormolu  in  Louis  Quinze 
style. 


Date : Ming  dynasty 


Height,  1 6l/2  inches 

[103] 


Diameter,  12  inches 


I 


>4 


SERIES  OF 

LARGE  POLYCHROME  PLATES 

(ascribable  to  the  wan  li  period) 


No.  215.  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 

MEDIUM  deep  shape,  the  centre  displaying  a jardiniere  filled  with 
lotus  flowers  and  a beaker  that  holds  a miniature  mei  tree  in  blossom; 
beside  these  stands  a dish  with  “hand  of  Buddha”  fruit,  posed  against  a 
background  of  red  trellis  brocading.  The  main  border,  with  cognate  coral- 
red  brocading,  includes  four  vignettes  filled  in  with  large  red  and  yellow 
peaches,  together  with  leafage. 

Date:  XVI  century;  era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13  inches 

Plate  XXXI 


No.  216.  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 

THE  spirited  overglaze  decoration  on  its  panel  depicts  a rampant  dragon 
clasping  the  effulgent  jewel  amid  curling  nebulae.  This  rampant 
yellow  and  green  creature  appears  over  the  Lung  men  or  “dragon  gate” 
falls,  shown  by  the  pointed  rocks  and  curling  waves.  Wide  borders  sur- 
round the  circular  centre  in  lanceolated  and  trellised  patterns,  supplemented 
by  rim  band  in  floral  design  dominated  by  deep  coral-red.  Its  reverse  border 
shows  six  emblems  with  fillets,  and  also  bears  a “leaf  mark”  within  rings. 

Date : XVI  century ; era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  133/2  inches 

Plate  XXXII 


No.  217.  Large  Ming  Plate 

DEEP  shape;  the  overglaze  decoration,  in  “five  colours,”  dominated  by 
rouge  de  fer  and  leaf-green,  presenting  a pair  of  phoenix  birds  amid 
peony  flowers.  Framed  by  a triple  border. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13  inches 


L107] 


No.  218.  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 


ITS  panel  is  decorated  with  a coral-red  diapered  background,  supple- 
mented by  a dragon-head  ch'i-lin,  with  bushy  tail.  The  composite  crea- 
ture of  benignant  omen  is  shown  in  combination  with  green  rocks  and  red 
nebulae.  Surrounded  by  wide  borders  similar  to  the  preceding  examples, 
including  floral  vignettes.  Its  reverse  side  sustains  pomegranate  twigs  with 
coral-red  diapering. 

Date:  XVI  century;  era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13  inches 


No.  219.  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  with  lattice  diaper  background,  the  centre  presenting  the 
“four-season  flowers” : peony  for  spring,  lotus  for  summer,  chrysan- 
themum for  autumn,  and  prunus  (mei)  for  winter.  Broadly  framed  by 
characteristic  triple  bordering  in  varied  designs.  The  reverse  side  sustains 
freely  posed  flowering  twigs. 

Date:  XVI  century;  era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13  inches 


No.  220.  Another  Large  Ming  Plate 

WITH  similar  floral  centre  and  border  decoration,  its  reverse  side  pre- 
senting a blue  six-character  Ch'eng  Hua  mark,  attributable  to  the 
succeeding  century  and  era  of  Wan  Li. 

Date:  XVI  century  Diameter,  13%  inches 


Cio8] 


No.  221.  Another  Large  Ming  Plate 

MEDIUM  deep  shape,  with  similar  floral  centre  and  border  decoration, 
and  bearing  a leaf  mark  on  panel  of  reverse  side. 

Date:  XVI  century;  era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13%  inches 


No.  222.  Another  Large  Ming  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  the  overglaze  decoration  on  panel  presenting  mu-tan  peony 
flowers,  framed  by  a series  of  three  contrasting  borders  with  varied 
floriations  in  kindred  colours,  dominated  by  coral-red  and  green. 

Date : XVI  century  Diameter,  13%  inches 


No.  223.  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  the  overglaze  decoration,  in  five  colours  dominated  by 
rouge  de  fer  and  leaf-green,  presenting  a pair  of  phoenix  birds  amid 
peony  flowers,  framed  by  a triple  border  similar  to  the  preceding  examples. 

Date:  XVI  century;  era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13  inches 


No.  224.  Large  Five-colour  Ming  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  the  centre  depicting  the  phoenix  bird  and  dragon-headed 
ch'i-lin.  These  benignant  creatures  are  shown  on  white  ground  in 
combination  with  palm  trees  and  rocks.  Framed  by  triple  border  similar 
to  the  preceding  examples. 

Date:  XVI  century;  era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13^4  inches 


Clop] 


No.  225.  Large  Decorated  Ming  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  the  painting,  on  coral-red  trellised  background,  displaying 
varied  symbolical  flowers  in  rouge-de-fer,  leaf-green,  and  amber- 
yellow  tones.  A scalloped  inner  border  in  green,  coral-red,  and  amaranth- 
blue  outlining  sustains  small  foliations.  The  outer  border  is  completed  with 
flowering  scrolls  in  varied  colours  of  the  period,  while  the  reverse  side  is 
simply  decorated  with  red  vermiculated  bands. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  13^4  inches 


No.  226.  Two  Large  Famille  Verte  Plates 

OCTAGONAL  shapes,  the  panel  presenting  a garden  nook  with  table 
and  jardiniere,  fir  tree,  two  birds,  and  peony  flowers.  The  main  border 
sustains  a brocaded  green  ground  with  phoenix  birds  and  red  mu-tan  peony 
vignettes;  the  outer  border  is  finished  by  a narrow  dentated  pattern.  The 
reverse  displays  four  isolated  green  and  red  floral  twigs. 

From  the  de  la  Narde  Collection,  Paris. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  12J4  inches 


No.  227.  Three  Large  Famille  Verte  Plaques 

OCTAGONAL  shapes,  with  similar  bordering;  the  centre  panel  on  one 
displaying  a garden  nook  with  fir  tree,  peony  flowers,  and  birds  of 
paradise;  the  other  showing  a pair  of  swallows  and  willow  tree. 

From  the  de  la  Narde  Collection,  Paris. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  i6y2  inches 


Dio] 


No.  228.  Three  Large  Famille  Verte  Plaques 


OCTAGONAL  shape,  similar  to  the  preceding  examples,  with  cognate 
decoration  and  central  panels  showing  garden  nooks  with  willow  trees 
and  swallows. 

From  the  de  la  Narde  Collection,  Paris. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  1534  inches 


No.  229.  Two  Large  Famille  Verte  Plates 

OCTAGONAL  shapes  decorated  with  two  birds  of  paradise  and  peony 
and  fir  tree  motifs  in  garden,  surrounded  by  a floral  brocaded  border 
with  flower  and  phoenix  birds. 

From  the  de  la  Narde  Collection,  Paris. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  1534  inches 


No.  230.  Blue  and  Red  Decorated  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  with  lustrous  underglaze  blue  and  red  decoration  present- 
ing an  interior  scene  showing  young  couple,  in  converse,  being  listened 
to  by  an  inquisitive  female.  This  subject,  from  a love  story,  is  supplemented 
by  an  exterior  view  including  a willow  tree  and  the  roofs  of  neighbouring 
pavilions.  An  inscription  in  two  lines,  from  a love  couplet,  and  a celestial 
constellation  appear  on  the  panel.  Its  reverse  border  is  painted  with  land- 
scape and  river  scene. 

Date  : Early  XVIII  century  Diameter,  1234  inches 


Cm] 


No.  231.  Imperial  Dragon  and  Phcenix-bird  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  with  decoration  on  the  white  panel  presenting  Imperial 
dragons,  together  with  phcenix  (feng  huang)  birds,  amid  flower  and 
fruit  motifs;  dominated  by  rich  underglaze  cobalt-blue  and  varied  over- 
glaze colours,  including  rouge  de  fer.  Cognate  dragons  and  phoenix  birds 
are  introduced  on  the  border.  Underneath,  the  panel  bears  a six-character 
mark  of  its  period. 

From  the  de  la  Narde  Collection,  Paris. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  12^2  inches 


No.  232.  Large  Decorated  Plate 

THE  overglaze  decoration  on  white  panel  presents  a rampant  dragon 
clasping  the  effulgent  jewel  amid  curling  nebulae.  Varied  borders 
surround  the  circular  centre.  It  sustains  a blue  six-character  apocryphal 
mark  of  the  Ch'eng  Hua  period. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  13  inches 


No.  233.  Large  Decorated  Pea-green  Plaque 

MEDIUM  deep  shape,  presenting  a lustrous  light  pea-green  glazing  in 
solid  colour,  relieved  by  a large  white  leaf-shaped  reserve,  separately 
painted  with  a sepia  black  landscape  subject.  Bears  Buddhist  lun  emblem. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Diameter,  1 5 inches 


[II2;3 


No.  234.  Decorated  Fruit  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  with  decoration,  in  famille  verte  style,  presenting  a green 
four-clawed  dragon  arising  from  a blue  sea,  in  quest  of  the  effulgent 
jewel  amid  blue  and  green  cloud  patches.  Framed  by  a bordering  that  in- 
volves vases,  flowers,  and  fruit  emblems.  Bears  a blue  six-character  mark 
of  its  period. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Diameter,  i2l/2  inches 


No.  235.  Small  Blue  and  Red  Jar 

OVIFORM,  with  short  lip,  flanked  at  the  rim  and  base  by  lanceolated 
blue  borders.  The  white  body  presents  a pair  of  winged  dragons,  in 
underglaze  peach-bloom  red,  amid  blue  cloud  patches.  Underneath,  the 
foot  bears  a double  ring  mark,  with  the  character  “t'ien,”  meaning  “high”  or 
“above  other  things.” 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  4 inches  with  cover  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  236.  Decorated  Red  and  White  Bottle 

GALLIPOT  shape,  with  small  neck.  Sonorous  white  porcelain  with 
copper-red  underglaze  decoration  trending  to  a soft  peach-bloom  hue, 
and  showing  large  and  small  blue  dragons  among  waves.  Underneath,  the 
foot  sustains  a blue  six-character  (apocryphal)  mark  of  the  Hsiian  Te 
period. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  13^  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


C 1 13  d 


No.  237.  Pair  of  Red  and  White  Coupes 

GLOBULAR  shapes,  with  round  inverted  rims.  Pure  white  hard-paste 
porcelain,  the  decoration,  in  underglaze  copper-red,  showing  chrysan- 
themum flowers  and  scrolling  foliage  in  soft  peach-bloom  tones  against  the 
pellucid  white  body  glazing. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  3 inches  Diameter,  3%  inches 


No.  238.  Decorated  White  and  Red  Bottle 

GALLIPOT  or  narrow-necked  goulot  (mei  p'ing)  shape.  Clear  white 
paste  with  copper-red  decoration  under  the  pellucid  white  glaze, 
showing  a slight  “orange-peel”  surface.  The  peach-red  details  include 
three  separate  peony  sprays  together  with  pendent  tassels  on  bands  near  base 
and  narrow  lanceolations  at  the  neck. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  14%  inches  Diameter,  7 ^4  inches 


No.  239.  Cafe-au-lait  and  Blue  Vase 

With  or-molu  mounting 

BULBOUS  oviform, with  attenuated  base  and  neck,  presenting  the  chin  or 
chamois-coloured  glaze  with  crackle,  trending  to  a cafe-au-lait  nuance. 
Its  expanded  body  is  relieved  on  opposite  sides  by  brilliant  blue  and  white 
dragon  panels  that  appear  imposed  against  large  blue  and  white  shou  char- 
acters of  longevity.  Small  square  blue  and  white  seals  hold  characters  ex- 
pressive of  long  life  with  honours.  Circular  blue  and  white  panels  display 
hares.  Lias  French  or-molu  mounting  in  Louis  Quatorze  style. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  18  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


Cl  143 


No.  240.  Pair  of  Blue  and  Red  Bottles 

With  or-molu  mounting 

IMPERIAL  porcelain,  with  underglaze  decoration  on  white  ground,  pre- 
senting copper-red  flowers  amid  cobalt-blue  leafy  scrolls.  Bear  six- 
character  marks  of  their  period ; with  French  gilt  bronze  mounting  in  Louis 
Seize  style. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  13^  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


[115:3 


GROUP  OF 

FAMILLE  ROSE  PORCELAINS 


No.  241.  Imposing  Famiile  Rose  Decorated  Vase 

TALL  quadrangular  form,  with  overglaze  decoration  on  the  four  sides 
depicting  familiar  Taoist  genii  and  immortals,  with  their  attributes, 
supplemented  by  five  bats  or  wu  fu  emblems  of  as  many  blessings.  Rendered 
in  famiile  rose  (juan  ts'ai)  colours  on  white  “orange-peel”  ground,  with 
ornate  bordering  and  lambrequin  motifs,  including  pink  brocaded  details 
around  the  shoulder.  One  side  depicts  the  “twin  genii”  of  Union  and 
Harmony,  with  smiling  boyish  figures;  another  side  pictures  Lan  Ts'ai-ho, 
the  Rishi,  as  an  elderly  man  with  basket  of  flowers  and  hoe  across  his  shoul- 
der, accompanied  by  a yellow  spotted  deer;  another  side  depicts  a courtly 
sage  accompanied  by  a boy;  while  the  fourth  side  sustains  Chung-ko  with 
long  coral-red  staff,  conjuring  the  bats  from  a yellow  vase  borne  by  his 
youthful  attendant.  The  embellishment  is  completed  by  carefully  painted 
landscape  subjects  on  the  four  sides  of  neck. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  22^  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  242.  Decorated  Famiile  Rose  Beaker 

WITH  oviform  body  and  flaring  neck,  presenting  a light  pink  enamelled 
brocading,  strewn  here  and  there  with  yellow  aster  and  peony  blos- 
soms. These  details  form  a rich  setting  for  the  white  reserve  leaf  and 
quadrifoil  shaped  medallions,  which  carry  painted  landscapes  done  in  low- 
fired  sepia  colour. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  173/2  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


[1193 


No.  243.  Tall  Famille  Rose  Beaker 

OCTAGONAL  shape,  with  wide  flaring  neck  and  spreading  base.  The 
painting,  in  varied  half-toned  enamels  of  the  famille  rose  palette,  in- 
cludes green  edges  in  fissured  ice  design,  enclosing  landscape  views  alter- 
nately with  art  objects  and  the  “four-season  flowers”  on  vertical  white  panels. 
The  eight  centre  panels,  with  white  “orange-peel”  surface,  present  the 
familiar  Taoist  immortals  (pa  hsien)  painted  in  soft  enamel  colours  of  its 
provenance.  The  upper  and  lower  rims  are  finished  in  light  rose  enamelling. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  1934  inches  Diameter,  1034  inches 


No.  244.  Rare  Famille  Rose  Taoist  Triad  Vase 

BULBOUS  pear  shape,  with  receding  neck,  supporting  two  angular 
handles.  Pellucid  white  porcelain  with  overglaze  painting  in  famille 
rose  (juan  ts'ai)  colours  depicting  the  three  star  gods  of  Taoism,  notably 
Shou  Lao,  god  of  longevity,  short  in  stature  and  with  elongated  forehead, 
who  holds  a large  peach.  Close  to  him  stands  Lu-hsing,  god  of  rank,  at- 
tired in  ancient  court  dress,  who  holds  his  ancestral  tablet  and  is  accom- 
panied by  a boy  with  lotus  flower.  The  third  personage  is  Fu-hsing,  god 
of  happiness,  who  carries  a child,  while  another  child  is  reaching  out  to  be 
taken  up.  Rendered  with  great  precision  and  delicacy,  these  figures  show 
remarkable  modelling  of  features  and  enough  chiaroscuro  to  indicate  the 
traditional  traits  of  each.  The  accessories  comprehend  an  old  pine  tree, 
rockeries,  and  red  fungus  patches  of  good  omen. 

Date:  XVIII  century;  Height,  11%  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 

era  of  Ch'ien  Lung 


Plate  XXXIII 


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No.  245.  Famille  Rose  Lotus-flower  Vase 

GRACEFUL  pear  shape,  with  contracted  neck,  flaring  out  toward  the 
lip.  The  overglaze  decoration,  in  famille  rose  (juan  ts'ai)  colours, 
includes  a red  brocaded  surface  of  miniature  concentric  scrolls,  with  a super- 
imposed nelumbium  lotus-flower  and  mandarin  duck  motif,  supplemented 
by  butterflies. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  %y2  inches 


No.  246.  Imperial  Famille  Rose  Vase 

QUADRANGULAR  shape,  with  small  gilt  handles  and  oxidized  silver 
mounting.  The  ornate  overglaze  painting  in  typical  famille  rose  genre 
presents  a soft  yellow  and  pink  brocaded  ground  in  flowered  honeycomb 
pattern,  over  which  appear  superposed  pink  peony  flower  sprays.  The  foot 
bears  a six-character  mark  of  its  period. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  12  inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


No.  247.  Famille  Rose  Fruit  Plate 

MEDIUM  deep  shape,  with  an  elaborate  lace-like  perforated  border, 
supplemented  by  painted  decoration  in  minute  lancet  forms,  which 
agreeably  frames  the  panel  with  its  three  clusters  of  famille  rose  coloured 
peony  sprays  and  butterflies. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Diameter,  10  inches 

Plate  XXXIII 


[121] 


No.  248.  Famille  Rose  Fruit  Plate 

MEDIUM  deep  shape,  bordered  with  lace-like  perforations  and  or- 
nately painted.  The  white  panel,  depicting  pink  chrysanthemums  on 
a branch  filled  with  green  foliage,  together  with  two  flying  insects,  is  done 
in  overglaze  colours  of  the  famille  rose  palette. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Diameter,  10  inches 

Plate  XXXIII 


No.  249.  Large  Famille  Rose  Fruit  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  the  panel  with  famille  rose  painting  displaying  a pair  of 
peacocks  among  peony  flowers.  The  border  sustains  a pink  scroll 
brocading  supplemented  by  floral  devices,  involving  four  red  and  yellow 
pomegranates  with  tasselled  emblems. 

From  the  de  la  Narde  Collection,  Paris. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Diameter,  15^4  inches 


No.  250.  Famille  Rose  Garden  Seat 

SMALL  tonnellette  shape,  with  rounded  top  and  pierced  “coin”  design; 

the  famille  rose  decoration  presenting  an  elaborate  lambrequin  motif 
whose  black  outlined  lappets  with  brocading  enclose  the  “four-season  flow- 
ers.” A similar  bordering  encircles  its  base,  while  the  intermediate  recipro- 
cal white  surface  sustains  flowering  boughs. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  1 5%  inches  Diameter,  9*4  inches 


[122] 


No.  251.  Set  of  Three  Famille  Rose  Vases 

OVOID  gallipot  shapes,  with  overglaze  decoration  in  typical  famille 
rose  (juan  ts'ai)  colours  on  white  ground,  presenting  the  familiar 
“rooster  and  peony  flower”  motif,  supplemented  by  a pink-flowered  lambre- 
quin border  around  the  shoulder. 

Date:  Late  XVIII  century  Height,  9 inches  Diameter,  4 54  inches 


No.  252.  Pair  of  Famille  Rose  Jars 

GALLIPOT  shapes  (mei  p'ing),  with  typical  famille  rose  (juan  ts'ai) 
overglaze  decoration  on  white  ground,  depicting  the  symbolical  “fairy 
flowers,”  notably  the  mu-tan  peony,  magnolia,  and  mei  blossoms. 

Date:  Late  XVIII  century  Height,  6y2  inches  Diameter,  3^  inches 


No.  253.  Famille  Rose  Porcelain  Tea  Pot 

GLOBULAR  shape,  fine  white  porcelain,  decoration  showing  floral  and 
bird  (hua  niao)  motifs  applied  in  overglaze  colours  on  white  ground. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  4 inches 


C 123  3 


No.  254.  Mandarin  Garniture  de  Cheminee 

Five  pieces 

(A)  THREE  OVIFORM  SHAPED  FAMILLE  ROSE  JARS 

THE  decoration  consists  of  white  leaf-shaped  panels  enclosing  yellow 
spotted  deer,  bats,  and  sacred  fungus  emblems.  The  field  is  covered 
with  floral  details  on  pink-rose  enamelled  ground.  The  shoulders  are  en- 
circled by  light  green  lambrequin  borders,  filled  in  with  fanciful  donations. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  17  inches  with  original  covers 

The  deer  is  an  emblem  of  longevity  in  Taoistic  art.  Its  Chinese  name,  lu,  corresponds  also  with 
the  character  used  for  honours  and  eminence;  so  their  appearance  signifies  preferment  in  office. 


(B)  TWO  OVIFORM  FAMILLE  ROSE  BEAKERS 
En  suite 

WITH  daring  necks  and  an  overglaze  decoration  of  leaf-shaped  medal- 
lions enclosing  yellow  spotted  deer,  bats,  and  sacred  fungus  emblems 
of  immortality.  The  intermediate  held  spaces  are  entirely  covered  with 
pink-rose  coloured  ground  and  doral  details.  Light  green  lambrequin 
borders  encircle  the  outer  rims  of  neck,  dlled  with  fanciful  donations. 
The  bases  are  uniformly  bordered  with  ascending  chiang  ya  pistil  stems. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  17^4  inches 

Plate  XXXIV 


[124] 


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No.  255.  Two  Beaker-shaped  Vases 

PRESENTING  an  opaque  green  enamel  foundation,  finely  speckled  in 
black  “frog  spawn,”  over  which  appear  light  green  bamboo  leaves, 
together  with  detached  blue,  yellow,  and  rose-tinted  blossoms.  Two  large 
white  reserve  leaf-shaped  panels  display  scholar’s  emblems  and  art  objects. 
The  trumpet-shaped  necks  sustain  two  foliated  white  panels  filled  with  floral 
details;  the  embellishment  throughout  being  painted  in  brilliant  enamel 
colours  of  a quasi  famille  rose  palette. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  17%  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  256.  Two  Oviform  Jars 

PRESENTING  similar  decoration  to  the  preceding,  with  opaque  dark 
green  ground,  relieved  at  the  shoulders  by  a pink  lambrequin  whose 
lappets  carry  floral  designs  (matching  the  upper  rims  of  beakers).  The  re- 
served panels  carry  comprehensive  groups  of  the  po-ku  or  hundred  antiques, 
with  books,  flower  vases,  and  scroll  pictures.  Two  small  quadrifoil  panels 
display  floral  motifs  with  cover. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  18^2  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  257.  Oviform  Jar 

En  suite 

WITH  speckled  dark  green  foundation,  interrupted  by  four  circular 
white  panels  upon  which  are  green  dragons  alternately  with  land- 
scapes. The  shoulder  sustains  a yellow  lambrequin  filled  with  red  chrysan- 
themums, while  the  foot  is  surrounded  by  a pink  enamelled  gadroon  motif,, 
as  in  the  preceding  examples,  with  which  the  garniture  is  complete. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 

without  cover 


C 125:1 


No.  258.  Famille  Rose  Garniture  de  Cheminee 

Five  pieces 

(A)  THREE  OVIFORM  JARS 

THE  white  circular  panels  are  decorated  with  green  dragons  and  land- 
scape motifs,  while  the  pink  rose-enamelled  field  itself  is  covered  with 
floral  details.  The  shoulders  are  encircled  by  deep  lambrequin  borders 
whose  lappets  are  filled  in  with  fanciful  donations;  the  bases  of  two  are 
surrounded  by  gadroon  motif  and  the  third  shows  ginger  (chiang  ya)  petals. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  17  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  10  inches 

(B)  TWO  OVIFORM  BEAKERS 
En  suite  with  above 

THE  necks  are  flaring,  and  the  overglaze  decoration  consists  of  reserved 
leaf-shaped  panels  enclosing  dragons  and  landscape  views.  The  inter- 
mediate field  spaces  are  entirely  covered  with  rose-coloured  ground  and 
floral  details.  Green  lambrequin  borders  encircle  the  outer  rim  of  neck, 
filled  with  fanciful  floriations. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  17^2  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  259.  Pair  of  Famille  Rose  Decorated  Vases 

TALL  mandarin  shaped  oviform  of  quasi  egg-shell  thinness,  with  ornate 
embellishment,  presenting  delicate  white  plum  trees  with  blossoms 
and  birds  upon  a minutely  painted  blue  “fish-roe”  ground,  simulating  a 
shagreen  surface.  Two  large  vertical  panels  in  white  reserve  appear  on 
each  example,  painted  in  famille  rose  colours  with  ceremonial  scenes 
depicting  viceroys  in  state  attire,  surrounded  by  ladies  of  their  households 
and  minor  accessories.  One  is  repaired. 

Date  : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  15V2  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


[ 126] 


No.  260.  Tall  Famille  Rose  Vase 

GRACEFUL  oviform  body,  with  wide  flaring  ( cornet)  neck.  Fine  hard- 
textured  porcelain  with  overglaze  decoration  in  rich  enamel  colours 
of  the  famille  rose  genre,  presenting  three  Taoist  figures,  a willow  tree,  and 
sacred  fungus  clumps  near  the  base,  in  coral-red,  introduced  as  emblem  of 
longevity,  together  with  bats  and  pine  tree  at  the  neck. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  261.  Famille  Noire  Potpourri 

With  or-molu  mounting 

OVOID  shape,  with  rounded  cover  and  gilt  bronze  openwork  mounting. 

The  decoration,  upon  a brilliant  black  enamelled  foundation,  consists 
of  floral  details,  including  a series  of  large  pink  peony  blossoms,  green 
leafage,  and  varicoloured  asters.  The  cover  is  decorated  en  suite.  Used 
for  fragrant  buds  to  perfume  a room  mildly. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  6^4  inches  Diameter,  6l/2  inches 


No.  262.  Famille  Rose  Potpourri 

With  or-molu  mounting 

OVOID  shape,  with  rounded  cover.  The  overglaze  decoration  in  juan 
ts'ai,  or  half-tone  colours,  shows  an  imbricated  rose-tinted  ground  in 
scale  pattern,  relieved  by  four  white  foliated  reserves  that  alternately  en- 
close landscape  and  floral  motifs.  The  cover,  en  suite,  shows  cognate  decora- 
tion with  green  rim-band  and  gilt-bronze  mounting. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  7^2  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


[127] 


No.  263.  Pair  of  Three-colour  Potpourri 

With  or-molu  mounting 

COMPOSED  of  two  large  bowls,  one  of  which  forms  the  cover.  The 
exterior  presents  a brilliant  K'ang  Hsi  “snake-skin”  green  glaze,  with 
engraved  floral  sprays,  picked  out  in  contrasting  aubergine,  yellow,  and 
white.  The  gilt  bronze  mounting  includes  a tripod  stand  and  knob  on  the 
cover.  Bear  studio  marks  in  double  ring. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  11  inches  Diameter,  7^4  inches 


No.  264.  Pair  of  Potpourri 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding  pair  of  three-colour  potpourri,  but  smaller, 
with  studio  marks  and  or-molu  mounting. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  734  inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


No.  265.  Famille  Rose  Tea  Pot 

SQUARE  cube  shape  with  yellow  bamboo-formed  handle  and  spout.  The 
four  sides  and  top  sustain  a pink  enamel  brocading,  relieved  by  small 
medallions  that  display  blue  blossoms  and  shou  emblems  of  longevity.  The 
small  circular  cover,  en  suite,  sustains  the  same  details. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  4 inches  Width,  334  inches  square 


D28] 


No.  266.  Famille  Rose  Potpourri 

FORMED  by  two  separate  bowls,  one  of  which  is  reversed  and  used  as 
the  cover.  The  decoration,  on  white  ground,  uniformly  presents  red 
and  pink  mu-tan  and  other  peony  flowers  amid  underglaze  blue  foliage  and 
scrolling  stems.  An  ornate  gilt-bronze  knob  is  introduced  on  the  bowl- 
cover.  Bears  blue  seal  marks  under  the  gilt-bronze  tripod  mounting. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  9 inches  Diameter,  7 % inches 


No.  267.  Mongolian  Decorated  Bowl 

ITS  white  interior  sustains  a lotus  blossom  and  Buddhistic  vajra  emblem, 
while  the  exterior  presents  the  seven  paraphernalia  of  a chakravartti, 
or  “universal  sovereign,”  including  a white  elephant  and  the  wheel  of  law. 
The  upper  rim  and  base  are  uniformly  bordered  with  the  “eight  precious 
objects”  and  shou  characters  of  longevity.  Made  for  a prince  who  married 
a daughter  of  Emperor  Tao  Kuang.  Bears  the  Mongolian  mark  “Baragon 
Turned.” 

Date:  Era  of  Tao  Kuang  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  268.  Large  Famille  Rose  Plaque 

DEEP  shape,  with  white  ground;  the  overglaze  decoration  presenting 
rouge-d’or  peony  flowers  with  green  foliage,  while  the  fanciful  border 
displays  brown  fish-roe  brocading  with  ornate  pendants.  The  details  include 
pink  latticed  panels  and  white  flowered  slip  vignettes  defined  by  angular 
divisions. 


Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng 


Diameter,  15  inches 


No.  269.  Two  Large  Famille  Rose  Plaques 

SHALLOW  shapes;  the  overglaze  decoration  presenting  phoenix  birds 
and  peony  flowers,  with  garden  rockery,  posed  on  the  white  panels.  The 
several  borders  display  fret  and  floral  brocading  with  gilding. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Diameter,  16  inches 


No.  270.  Large  Famille  Rose  Plaque 

DEEP  shape,  with  overglaze  decoration  composed  of  delicately  painted 
prunus  and  cherry  blossoms  on  white  ground,  framed  by  a scalloped 
border  with  pink  brocading  and  varied  floral  details. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Diameter,  12  inches 


No.  271.  Large  Famille  Rose  Plaque 

MEDIUM  shallow  shape,  with  overglaze  decoration  displaying  an 
ornate  flower  basket  filled  with  pink  peony  flowers  and  other  em- 
blematic blossoms.  The  gilt  border  sustains  a series  of  nine  red  carp  amid 
green  seaweeds.  Without  mark. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Diameter,  1 6^4  inches 


[ 130] 


No.  272.  Buddhistic  Famille  Rose  Plate 

DEEP  shape,  with  an  ornate  perforated  border.  The  panel  presents 
Bodhi  Daruma  with  short  black  beard  and  curly  hair  and  wearing 
earrings.  He  carries  a long  staff  with  fly-brush  emblem  over  his  shoulder, 
while  holding  the  Buddhist  begging-bowl  in  his  hand.  The  background, 
with  “orange-peel”  surface,  shows  wave  and  pointed  rock  motifs. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Diameter,  n inches 


No.  273.  Another  Famille  Rose  Plaque 

DEEP  basin  shape,  with  broad  border.  The  panel  presents  a vase  with 
lotus  flowers  and  other  blossoms,  painted  in  famille  rose  colours,  and 
framed  by  a rim  border  with  floral  devices ; among  these  appear  morning 
glories,  peony,  lotus,  and  aster  blossoms,  flanked  by  pink  lanceolations. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Diameter,  14^  inches 


No.  274.  Set  of  Four  Chinese  Porcelain  Temple  Ornaments 

(a)  two  sacred  white  elephants 

SHOWN  carrying  treasure  vases,  and  probably  made  for  some  Annamese 
temple.  The  polychrome  overglaze  decoration  is  in  famille  rose  colours 
on  white  ground,  with  fillet  finials.  Bear  red  seal  marks  of  their  period. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  15  Li  inches  Diameter,  6 inches 

(b)  two  caparisoned  white  horses 

SHOWN  carrying  Buddhistic  emblems,  and  completing  the  set.  Bear 
red  seal  marks. 


Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung 


Height,  15  inches 

C 131  u 


Diameter,  6 inches 


No.  275.  Famille  Rose  Vase 

CYLINDRICAL  shape,  with  contracted  neck.  An  Imperial  yellow 
ground  colour  is  presented  with  a supplementary  overglaze  decoration 
in  the  form  of  isolated  floral  sprays,  framing  a quadrangular  figure  panel 
depicting  the  Taoist  triad,  Shou-hsing,  Lu-hsing,  and  Fu-hsing.  The  star 
gods  are  painted  in  enamel  colours  of  the  famille  rose  palette,  while  the 
yellow  neck  sustains  art  objects  and  books. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  276.  Decorated  Porcelain  Goldfish  jar 

SEMI-GLOBULAR  jardiniere  shape.  Sonorous  white  Ch'ien  Lung 
porcelain  with  conventional  overglaze  decoration  on  white  ground,  dis- 
playing floral  medallions  that  sustain  blossoms  and  leafy  scrolls,  surrounded 
by  formal  floriated  arabesque  motifs  painted  in  harmonious  enamel  colours. 
The  rim  above  shows  a band  of  flowered  vignettes  and  lanceolations,  while 
the  base  is  surrounded  by  a polychrome  gadroon  border.  Blue  seal  mark. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  9^2  inches  Diameter,  13  inches 


No.  277.  Large  Ovoid  Plant  Jar 

SO-CALLED  “Peking”  or  “graviata”  ware.  Its  outer  surface  is  com- 
pletely covered  with  a light  pea-green  coloured  enamel  that  is  enriched 
by  an  engraved  fern  brocading,  together  with  a supplementary  painted  deco- 
ration in  the  form  of  varicoloured  floral  sprays. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  14^2  inches  Diameter,  15  inches 


Z I32  I! 


No.  278.  Egg-shell  Porcelain  Cup  and  Saucer 

THE  Cantonese  painting,  in  red  and  gold  with  rim  bordering,  presenting 
the  crest  and  escutcheon  of  a European  family. 

Date : XVIII  century 


No.  279.  Egg-shell  Cup  and  Saucer 

THE  Cantonese  painting,  in  famille  rose  colours  on  white  ground,  pre- 
senting pink  peony  and  other  flowers  together  with  birds. 

Date : XVIII  century 


No.  280.  Egg-shell  Cup  and  Saucer 

THE  Cantonese  decoration,  in  black  sepia  colour  and  gilding,  displaying 
a panel  with  the  Greek  goddess  Juno  and  her  peacock  attribute. 

Date : XVIII  century 


No.  281.  Two  Famille  Noire  Cups  and  Saucers 

EGG-SHELL  porcelain  with  alternating  brilliant  black  and  white  panels 
in  petal  forms,  sustaining  a supplementary  flower  decoration  in  rich 
famille  rose  colours. 

Date : XVIII  century 


[1333 


No.  282.  Two  Cups  and  Saucers 

EGG-SHELL  porcelain  with  white  reserves  in  foliated  forms,  sustaining 
floral  details  with  flanking  blue  lanceolations,  posed  against  a ground 
of  red  diaper  brocading. 

Date : XVIII  century 


No.  283.  Egg-shell  Porcelain  Cup  and  Saucer 

THE  decoration,  in  famille  rose  colours  with  landscape,  habitation, 
peony  flowers,  and  birds,  includes  pink  rim  borders. 

Date : XVIII  century 


No.  284.  Two  Odd  Egg-shell  Porcelain  Cups 

THE  overglaze  decoration  of  one  presents  peony  flower  motifs  on  white 
ground,  together  with  a black  and  pink  rim  border,  while  the  other 
sustains  a red  and  gold  escutcheon. 

Date : XVIII  century 


No.  285.  Egg-shell  Cup  and  Saucer 

WITH  famille  rose  decoration,  the  saucer  presenting  two  fairies  in  boat, 
while  the  cup  sustains  peony  flowers  and  birds  on  white  ground. 

Date:  XVIII  century 


[134] 


No.  286.  Two  Decorated  “Rice  Grain”  Bowls 


WITH  pierced  “rice  grain”  designs,  presenting  clusters  of  bamboo,  pine, 
and  prunus  tree  decoration,  painted  in  overglaze  colours  on  the  in- 
terior and  exterior  alike,  together  with  underglaze  blue.  Bear  blue  seal 
marks  of  their  periods. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  287.  Three  Decorated  Porcelain  Bowls 

PRESENTING  red  fruit  and  bat  motifs,  flanked  above  and  below  by 
blue  and  green  floriated  borders.  The  white  interiors  sustain  five  blue 
bats  and  circular  shou  characters  of  longevity. 

Date : XVIII  century  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  288.  Two  Famille  Rose  Plates 

EGG-SHELL  porcelain  with  overglaze  decoration  in  varied  colours  of 
the  famille  rose  palette,  presenting  figure  subjects  and  double  borders 
with  pink  peony  flower  sprays. 

Date : XVIII  century  Diameter,  inches 


No.  289.  Two  Small  Biscuit  Table  Screens 

WHITE  oblong  panels  with  high  relief  modelling  in  biscuit  paste,  uni- 
formly displaying  a boy  on  water  buffalo  passing  near  trees.  The 
mounts  are  of  teak-wood.  With  marks. 


Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung 


Height,  7 inches 

Ci3S] 


Width,  4 inches 


No.  290.  Small  Quadrangular-shaped  Vase 

THE  four  sides  sustain  poetical  essays  of  four  lines  on  each  panel,  deli- 
cately rendered  in  black  k'ai  shu  characters  on  white  ground;  framed 
by  overglaze  blue  floral  arabesque  borders.  Bears  seal  mark. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  4 inches  Width,  2%  inches 


ni36] 


GROUP  OF 

MONOCHROME  GLAZED  PORCELAINS 


I 


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No.  291.  Pair  of  Unique  Chun  Ware  Animals 

For  incense  burning 

STRONGLY  modelled  in  dark  porcellanous  paste.  The  fabled  chimaera- 
like  ch'i-lin  or  unicorns  of  Chinese  art  are  represented  with  open  muz- 
zles and  seated  on  their  haunches  as  if  about  to  rise,  uniformly  covered  in  an 
opalescent  clair-de-lune  glazing,  thickly  applied  and  trending  to  a tien-lan 
or  sky-blue  nuance. 

From  the  late  Charles  A.  Dana  (1898)  Collection.  Catalogue  number,  253. 

Date:  Late  Sung  dynasty  Height,  5^2  inches  Length,  5J4  inches 

Plate  XXXV 


No.  292.  Chun  Yao  Clair-de-lune  Vase 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  gallipot,  with  small  everted  neck.  Dense 
porcellanous  stoneware,  showing  potter’s  wheel  marks  in  linear  cor- 
rugated forms  under  the  opalescent  dove-blue  glaze,  trending  to  the  clair- 
de-lune  nuance,  with  crackle.  Sung  type. 

Date:  Yuan  dynasty  Height,  6%  inches  Diameter,  4%  inches 

Plate  XXXV 


No.  293.  Lavender  Crackle  Water  Coupe 

FINE  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain  of  globular  shape,  invested  with  a 
brilliant  monochrome  lavender  glaze  trending  to  a clair-de-lune 
nuance,  with  crackle. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  2 inches  Diameter,  2%  inches 


[139  3 


Pair  of  Monochrome  Green  Garden  Seats 


No.  294. 

OVOID  shapes,  presenting  an  emerald-green  glaze  with  openwork  and 
studding  of  bosses  at  both  the  upper  and  lower  segments.  The  broad 
ornamented  central  sections  display  lotus  flowers  in  bold  moulded  design 
with  leafy  scrolls,  interrupted  on  opposite  sides  by  tiger-head  handles  and 
open  formed  rings.  Have  circular  interlaced  openwork  stands  of  teak-wood 
with  marble  inserts. 

Date:  Close  of  Ming  dynasty  Height,  20  inches  Diameter,  14  inches 


No.  295.  Small  Turquoise-blue  Garden  Seat 

ROUND  tonnellette  form;  Ming  stoneware  coated  in  a pale  mottled 
turquoise-blue  glaze.  The  body  presents  six  contiguous  openwork 
panels  in  oval  contours,  with  ornate  scroll  and  dragon-head  ornamentation 
supplemented  above  and  below  by  rows  of  round  bossing  and  bat  emblems. 

Date  : Ming  dynasty  Height,  7 54  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  296.  Unique  Monochrome  Rouge-d’or  Bowl 

CONVENTIONAL  semiglobular  form,  with  thin  potted  sides.  The 
exterior  and  interior  are  uniformly  covered  with  a deep  rose-coloured 
and  minutely  speckled  souffle  glazing,  probably  copied  after  an  ancient  and 
rare  variety  of  reputed  Chun  ware,  of  which  few  examples  are  known. 

Date  : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  2 inches  Diameter,  554  inches 


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No.  297.  Monochrome  Sang-de-bceuf  Vase 

BROAD  pear-shape,  curving  into  a short  flaring  neck.  The  exterior  is 
coated  with  a mottled  and  light  variety  of  the  so-called  sang-de-boeuf 
glaze,  trending  to  a crushed  strawberry  nuance,  with  a fine  “pear-skin”  sur- 
face. The  interior  is  invested  with  a celadon  crackle  glaze,  and  the  panel 
underneath  shows  a celadon  tinged  white  glaze. 

Date : Early  XVIII  century  Height,  ioj/>  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  298.  Monochrome  “Mirror-black”  Urn 

TUREEN  shape,  with  two  handles  and  deep  stem  foot.  Sonorous  porce- 
lain, coated  in  a brilliant  brownish  “mirror-black”  (wu  chin)  glaze  of 
even  quality.  The  cover,  with  a cognate  lustrous  black  glaze  and  gold 
fungus  emblem  knob,  bears  a gold  inscription  of  four  characters  and  shou 
emblem  meaning  “long  life,  riches,  and  many  honours.”  The  interior  shows 
the  white  glazed  body. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  7%  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  299.  Tall  Monochrome  Turquoise-blue  Vase 

GRACEFUL  ovoid  shape,  with  contracted  base  and  a flaring  neck.  Rare 
Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain  covered  with  a uniform  monochrome 
turquoise-blue  (kung  chuo  lu)  glaze,  showing  a light  tone  and  small  truitee, 
the  so-called  “shad-roe”  crackle,  termed  yii  tz'ii  by  the  native  collectors. 
The  interior  of  the  neck  sustains  a similar  light  turquoise-blue  crackle  glaze, 
while  the  lip  is  glazed  in  bronze-brown.  Panel  of  foot  underneath  is  in 
light  glaze. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  21^4  inches  Diameter,  ()J/2  inches 


D4i] 


No.  300.  Monochrome  Purplish  Aubergine  Vase 

SLENDER  oviform  shape,  with  short  attenuated  neck,  presenting  a 
slightly  raised  floral  design  with  scrolling  foliated  stems  under  the 
brilliant  aubergine  glazing.  The  well  balanced  details  include  varied  peony 
flowers,  which  uniformly  cover  the  entire  surface  from  shoulder  to  base, 
where  the  monochrome  glaze  changes  into  lighter  zones.  Has  inlaid  teak- 
wood  cover  with  malachite  knob. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  301.  Monochrome  Apple-green  Vase 

DOUBLE  gourd  shape,  with  everted  neck.  Rare  example  of  the  Lii 
Lang  yao,  or  “green  Lang  ware,”  dense  refractory  porcelain  peculiar 
to  its  provenance.  Invested  with  a translucent  monochrome  green  crackle 
glaze  of  the  so-called  “apple-green”  variety.  Assumably  made  at  Ch'ing- 
te-chen,  during  the  period  of  Viceroy  Lang  T'ing-tso  (1665-1668).  The 
interior  of  the  neck  displays  a pale  crackle  in  celadon  tint,  and  the  foot,  un- 
derneath, a thin  brown  glazing. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  6 inches  Diameter,  334  inches 

Plate  XXXVI 


No.  302.  Rare  Apple-green  Vase 

PEAR-SHAPED  body  on  spreading  foot  and  tapering  at  the  shoulder  to 
a flaring  neck.  Dense  refractory  porcelain  (Lii  Lang  yao),  peculiar 
to  its  provenance  and  period.  Covered  with  a luminous  glaze  of  rich  “apple- 
green”  colour,  having  a slight  iridescent  lustre  and  a variable  large  crackle. 
Within  the  neck  there  is  a celadon  glaze  with  crackle,  while  the  sunken  foot, 
underneath,  shows  a mottled  green  glazing. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  9%  inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


[142] 


Plate  XXXVI 


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No.  303.  Apple-green  Cabinet  Jar 

OVOID  shape,  with  small  rimmed  neck.  Lii  Lang  yao,  or  green  Lang 
ware,  dense  refractory  porcelain  peculiar  to  its  provenance.  Covered 
with  a translucent  monochrome  green  crackled  glaze  of  the  “apple-green” 
variety,  its  transparent  quality  resembling  light  green  jade  tones.  Under- 
neath, the  foot  shows  a like  green  crackle  glazing  with  olive  rim. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  5 inches  Diameter,  4 inches 

Plate  XXXVI 

Among  the  green  varieties  in  solid  colours,  the  so-called  “apple-green”  (Lii  Lang  yao),  with  a 
translucent  and  vitreous  glaze  and  crackle,  is  of  the  rarest.  Other  varieties  of  green  tinted  glazes 
have  been  produced  at  various  periods,  but  none  so  distinguished  as  the  so-called  “apple-green”  with 
its  strongly  marked  brown  crackle. 


No.  304.  Monochrome  Brown  Crackle  Jar 

RACEFUL  ovoid  shape,  with  two  dull-lustred  iron-brown  mask 
T handles  whose  rings  are  missing.  The  body  itself  is  covered  with  an 
iridescent  coffee-brown  glaze  (tz'ii  chin  se),  strongly  marked  by  a network 
of  black  stained  crackle.  The  interior  shows  this  coffee-brown  glaze,  which 
is  repeated  at  the  foot  underneath,  with  a biscuit  ring.  Fine  Ming  type. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  \x/2  inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


No.  305.  Cafe-au-lait  Crackle  Vase 

GRACEFUL  baluster  shape,  with  oviform  body  and  spreading  neck. 

Fine  hard-paste  porcelain,  invested  with  a lustrous  monochrome  cafe- 
au-lait  glaze,  or  tz'ii  chin  se  of  native  collectors;  strongly  marked  with 
brownish  crackle.  Fine  type. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  6%.  inches  Diameter,  2%  inches 


C 143  u 


No.  306.  Camellia  Leaf-green  Coupe 

LOW  melon  shape,  with  octuple  ribbing;  invested  with  a fine  monochrome 
^ haricot  verte  glaze  of  “camellia  leaf  green”  colour  (ch'a-hua),  with 
minute  truitee  crackle. 


Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  2 inches 


Diameter,  3 yA  inches 


No.  307.  Turquoise-blue  Pencil  Stand 

LOW  oblong  shape,  on  four  feet;  uniformly  covered  with  monochrome 
J turquoise-blue  glaze  with  small  (yu-tz'u)  crackle. 

Date:  Early  XVIII  century  Height,  2 inches  Width,  9*4  ><5/4  inches 


No.  308.  Another  Turquoise-blue  Stand 

SIMILAR  low  oblong  shape,  on  four  feet;  uniformly  covered  with 
turquoise-blue  glaze. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  2 inches  Width,  inches 


No.  309.  Recumbent  Animal  Ornament 

REPRESENTING  a grotesque  form  of  a gluttonous  animal  or  dreaded 
ogre;  fashioned  in  hard  grayish  porcellanous  paste  and  coated  with  a 
speckled  olive-green  glaze  of  the  “hare’s  fur”  type,  not  unlike  the  patine  of 
old  bronze.  Used  over  an  incense-burning  vessel. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  6 34  inches  Length,  8 inches 


CI443 


No.  310.  Large  Imperial  Yellow  Plaque 

SONOROUS  porcelain  of  deep  shape,  with  engraved  details  under  the 
lustrous  Imperial  yellow  glazing,  its  centre  showing  swastika  crosses 
and  fillets,  together  with  five  bats  (wu  fu),  hovering  among  Buddhist  scroll 
patterns;  while  the  reverse  side  bears  a six-character  mark  of  its  period, 
within  a ring. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Diameter,  16%  inches 


No.  311.  Monochrome  Purple  Brush  Jar 

HARD-PASTE  porcelain  of  cylindrical  (pi-t'ung)  shape,  with  lightly 
moulded  lotus-flower  and  insect  designs,  presenting  a purplish-blue 
glaze  of  lustrous  quality. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  5 inches  Diameter,  3 y2  inches 


No.  312.  Ornate  White  Glaze  Vase 

SLENDER  ovoid  shape,  with  monster-head  handles  and  rudimentary 
rings,  showing  raised  hieratic  border  motifs  in  archaic  dragon  fret  and 
leaf  forms,  under  the  lustrous  white  glazing  at  both  the  shoulder  and  base. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  13^4  inches  Diameter,  6y2  inches 


D45] 


No.  313.  Set  of  Three  Monochrome  Bowls 

THIN  hard-paste  porcelain  of  sonorous  quality,  of  unconventional 
rounded  forms,  without  ornament  and  separately  glazed  in  varied 
monochrome  colours. 

(A)  Presents  an  Imperial  yellow  (chin-huang)  glaze  of  lustrous,  even 
quality. 

(B)  Presents  a brilliant  purplish-aubergine  (tzu-se)  colour  of  even 
quality. 

(C)  Presents  a rare  “snake-skin”  (she-p'i  lii)  green  glaze  of  even 
colour. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  23/2  inches  Diameter,  7%  inches 


[1463 


GROUP  OF  CELADONS 


■ 


CELADONS 


THE  pellucid  monochrome  green  of  unctuous  quality,  termed  ch'ing- 
tz'u  by  the  Chinese,  and  generally  known  to  the  Western  world  as 
celadon,  while  not  the  most  ancient  green-coloured  glaze  extant,  can, 
according  to  Chinese  ceramic  records,  be  referred  back  to  the  beginning  of 
the  seventh  century.  It  was  first  made  in  the  short  dynasty  of  Sui  (a.d.  581- 
617)  and  in  the  succeeding  T'ang  dynasty  (A.D.  618-906),  and  produced  in 
much  greater  quantity  than  any  other  pottery;  accordingly,  it  readily  found 
its  way  into  many  remote  parts  of  the  Eastern  countries.  Ancient  documents 
disclose  that  the  Arabs  invaded  the  eastern  seas  of  China  in  those  early  cen- 
turies and  carried  back  this  product  from  China  to  the  shores  of  the  Red  Sea 
and  to  India,  to  the  Persian  Gulf,  and  to  the  African  coast,  where  (especially 
in  Persia  and  Arabia)  it  became  known  as  martibani  and  was  extensively 
copied. 

Among  the  other  Eastern  nations  in  the  early  appreciation  of  celadon 
was  Japan;  there  the  Chinese  celadon  objects  have  always  been  held  as 
priceless  heirlooms.  Under  the  name  of  seiji,  they  inspired  the  Japanese 
pofters  and  served  to  stimulate  their  ceramic  art. 

Apart  from  historical  considerations,  ancient  celadon  (ch'ing-tz'u)  ware 
improves  with  acquaintance,  and  in  the  best  or  rarer  examples  of  former 
dynasties  we  have  quality  in  a superlative  degree,  with  indescribable 
peculiarities. 

The  essential  beauty  of  Chinese  celadon  lies  in  the  wonderful  investiture 
of  the  glaze,  and  its  soft  brilliancy,  combined  with  a certain  unctuous  surface. 
These  are  the  inimitable  characteristics  to  be  noted  in  the  best  varieties. 
Probably  the  nearest  approach  to  them  among  the  innumerable  attempts  at 
imitation  is  to  be  found  in  the  Persian  martibani  of  the  sixteenth  or  seven- 
teenth century.  It  was  the  potter’s  highest  aim  in  China,  during  almost 
every  period,  to  reproduce  one  of  the  more  famous  ancient  celadon  types, 
particularly  of  the  T'ang  or  Sung  dynasty. 


C 149:3 


No.3i4*  Large  Sung  Celadon  Vase 

Lung  Chilian  yao 

TALL  oviform,  with  spreading  cylindrical  neck  and  everted  rim.  Dense 
porcellanous  stoneware,  invested  with  a monochrome  celadon  glaze 
of  soft,  cool  lustre  and  rare  quality.  The  moulded  embellishment  on  the 
body  is  composed  with  delicate  leafy  scrolls  and  peony  flowers,  while  the 
base  is  encircled  by  slender  and  high-ascending  petals  in  bas-relief.  On 
the  neck  appear  three  separate  sprays  of  strongly  moulded  peony  flowers, 
and  the  lip  is  rimmed  by  a brownish  band  in  bronze  effect.  Has  a typical 
deep  sunken  panel  underneath,  attributable  to  the  Sung  potters,  and  showing 
the  characteristic  iron  colour  (red)  in  the  biscuit  rim  from  the  furnace. 
Rare  “brown  mouthed  and  iron  footed”  specimen. 

Date:  Sung  dynasty  Height,  26  inches  Diameter,  13%  inches 

Plate  XXXVII 


No.  315.  Ming  Monochrome  Celadon  Vase 

Lung  Chilian  yao 

CYLINDRICAL  form,  or  p'ing-lieh,  with  small  neck.  Dense  Lung 
Ch'iian  stoneware,  showing  lotus  flowers  and  leafy  scrolls  lightly 
moulded  under  the  vitreous  celadon  glazing,  which  is  invested  with  a net- 
work of  brown-toned  crackle.  The  base  is  surrounded  by  an  ascending  leaf 
border,  and  the  rim  of  foot  shows  a ferruginous  quality. 

Date:  XVI  century;  Height,  15^2  inches  Diameter,  6l/>  inches 

Ta  Ming  dynasty 


C1503 


Plate  XXXVII 

77) 

No.  314 
Large 

Sung  Celadon 
Vase 


\ 


y 


N0.316.  Monochrome  Ming  Celadon  Vase 

P'lNG-LIEH  form,  similar  to  the  preceding.  Dense  Lung  Ch'iian  yao, 
or  stoneware,  showing  lotus  flowers  and  leafy  scrolls  lightly  moulded 
under  the  vitreous  celadon  glaze;  the  whole  invested  with  a network  of 
crackle.  Its  base  is  surrounded  by  an  ascending  leaf  border. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  14^4  inches  Diameter,  6 inches 


No.  317.  Large  Ming  Celadon  Jar 

BULBOUS  oviform,  with  short  everted  neck.  Dense  porcellanous  stone- 
1 ware,  presenting  a luxuriant  floral  decoration  in  low  relief  under  the 
monochrome  celadon  glaze,  which  is  invested  with  crackle.  The  shoulder 
sustains  an  undefined  leaf  border,  and  the  base  a narrow  row  of  petals. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  1354  inches  Diameter,  12  inches 


No.  318.  Ming  Celadon  Vase 

TALL  beaker  shape,  with  flaring  neck.  Dense  porcellanous  ware  with 
an  extensive  low-relief  decoration,  modelled  in  the  paste  and  covered 
with  a brilliant  celadon  glaze  of  vitreous  quality,  with  crackle  in  brown 
staining.  Both  body  and  neck  uniformly  display  peony  flowers  amid  scrolls 
and  foliations. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  19  inches  Diameter,  7^4  inches 


Dm3 


No.  319.  Lung  Ch'uan  Celadon  Vase 

Ctiing  tz'u  p'ing 

BALUSTER  shape,  with  shortened  neck  and  or-molu  mounting.  Dense 
kaolinic  Lung  Ch'iian  stoneware  of  the  Yuan  or  early  Ta  Ming  dynasty, 
with  raised  ornamentation  arranged  in  varied  segmental  border  designs  and 
moulded  in  the  paste  under  a pellucid  celadon  glaze  which  discloses  an 
inimitable  cool  green  tinge.  Divided  by  narrow  horizontal  ring  bands 
through  the  centre  of  the  body,  the  raised  ornamental  bands  including  lotus 
flowers  amid  scrolling  stems  and  vines,  while  the  lowest  section  is  surrounded 
by  slender  ascending  palmations  in  relief.  The  foot,  with  deeply  sunken 
panel,  shows  the  characteristic  “iron  colour”  in  the  biscuit  from  the  furnace. 

Date : Yuan  or  early  Ming  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  11  inches 


No.  320.  Monochrome  Celadon  Crackle  Jar 

OVOID  shape,  with  short  neck.  Dense  porcellanous  paste  with  light 
celadon  glaze  showing  double  giant  crackle  in  black  and  brown 
staining. 

Date : Early  XVIII  century  Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  Sl/2  inches 


No.  321.  Gray  Celadon  Crackle  Vase 

OVIFORM  body,  with  everted  base,  two  lizard-like  dragon  handles  at 
neck,  and  the  cool  grayish  celadon  glaze  showing  double  giant  crackle, 
with  staining  in  brown  and  black. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  8%  inches 


[152: 


No.  322.  Celadon  Dragon  Vase 

GALLIPOT  form,  with  small-apertured  neck;  the  decoration,  modelled 
in  low  relief,  showing  three  Imperial  dragons  amid  cloud  patches 
under  the  pellucid  celadon  glazing.  Underneath,  the  foot  bears  blue  seal 
mark  of  its  period. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  13%  inches  Diameter,  8 % inches 


No.  323.  Celadon  Dragon  Vase 

Similar  to  the  preceding 

PRESENTING  four  soaring  dragons  in  quest  of  the  effulgent  pearl  un- 
der a pellucid  celadon  glazing,  without  cloud  patches.  Two  of  these 
creatures  are  large  and  have  three  claws,  while  the  others  are  small  and  have 
five  claws.  Underneath,  the  foot  bears  a blue  seal  mark  of  its  period. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  $f/2  inches 


No.  324.  Monochrome  Celadon  Crackle  Vase 

CYLINDRICAL  shape,  with  attenuated  low  neck,  coated  with  a lustrous 
celadon  green  glaze,  which  sustains  the  double  crackle  in  Ming  style. 
Underneath,  the  thick  foot  is  stained  in  brown. 

Era:  Date  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  13%  inches  Diameter,  6 inches 


D53] 


No.  325.  Ornate  Monochrome  Celadon  Vase 

OVIFORM  body,  with  everted  neck;  sustaining  two  grotesque  mask 
handles  with  pendent  rudimentary  rings.  Copied  after  an  ancient 
bronze  prototype;  the  decoration,  in  low  relief  under  monochrome  sea-green 
celadon  glaze,  presenting  archaic  dragon  scrolls  flanked  by  lei-wen,  or  key- 
fret  bands. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  15  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


Nos.  326-327.  Celadon  Porcelain  Garden  Seats 

TONNELLETTE  or  barrel  shape.  Dense  porcellanous  stoneware, 
with  raised  openwork  ornamentation  and  vitreous  celadon  glazing. 
Each  seat  presents  a pair  of  “fuh-dogs,”  or  shih-tzu,  separated  by  palms, 
blossoms,  and  fillets,  while  the  upper  and  lower  rims  are  encircled  by  in- 
cised scrolls  and  rows  of  bossing.  The  slightly  rounded  tops  sustain  incised 
diaper  pattern  under  the  celadon  glaze. 

Date:  Close  of  the  Ming  dynasty  Height,  16  inches  Diameter,  13  inches 


No.  328.  Coalescent  Group  of  Celadon  Bottles 

FASHIONED  in  form  of  six  amphora-shaped  bottles,  the  central  nozzle 
being  slightly  taller  than  the  surrounding  five.  Fine  white  Imperial 
porcelain,  uniformly  invested  with  a brilliant  celadon  glaze  of  light  tint  and 
even  quality.  Bears  blue  seal  mark  of  the  period. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  10  inches  Diameter,  6%  inches 


D54H 


No.  329.  Buddhist  Ming  Celadon  Group 

REPRESENTING  a Chinese  god  of  wisdom  (possibly  Pu  Hien),  seated 
■ on  the  back  of  an  elephant.  The  face  and  hands  of  the  divinity  are  un- 
glazed, while  his  garments  are  invested  with  a sea-green  celadon,  which 
colour  is  carried  over  the  animal,  with  eyes  and  tusks  left  in  biscuit.  Has 
teak-wood  base. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  9%  inches  Length,  7 inches 


No.  330.  Buddhist  Ming  Celadon  Group 

THE  figure  is  seated  cross-legged  on  the  back  of  a fabulous  lion,  like  a 
“god  of  the  earth.”  The  head  is  in  biscuit  state,  while  the  tunic  is 
glazed  in  translucent  celadon  green,  which  colour  uniformly  covers  the 
animal  and  its  stand.  Strongly  modelled  in  ferruginous  paste  with  the  “iron- 
red”  tinge  from  firing. 

Date : Ming  dynasty  Height,  9 inches  Length,  6 inches 


No.  331.  Scholar’s  Decorated  Celadon  Brush  Jar 

IOW  cylindrical  pi-tung  shape,  showing  an  ornately  raised  wild  prunus 
J (mei-hua)  tree  with  small  buds  in  white  reserve  rendering  against  the 
pellucid  celadon  ground  glazing.  Underneath,  the  sunken  glazed  panel 
bears  a four-character  mark  reading,  “Wen  chang  shan  tou”  (“Scholarship 
high  as  the  mountain  and  Great  Bear”). 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi ; Height,  534  inches  Diameter,  4%  inches 

Ta  Ching  dynasty 


CUSH 


No.  332.  White  Celadon  Vase 

With  red  and  blue  decoration 

TALL  beaker  shape  (hua-ku).  The  decoration,  on  a translucent  white 
celadon  ground,  presents  the  eight  blooded  horses  (pa  chun-ma)  or 
chariot  steeds  of  Emperor  Muh.  They  are  depicted  together  with  pine 
trees  and  shrubs  in  slight  relief,  and  separately  picked  out  in  deep  cobalt- 
blue  and  oxide  of  copper-red  under  the  pellucid  glazing,  giving  soft  dappled 
red  tones.  Underneath,  the  foot  bears  a blue  artemisia  leaf  mark. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17^2  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 

A popular  Chinese  art  motif  and  celebrated  in  Taoist  legends,  depicting  the  steeds  used  by  Em- 
peror Muh  Wang  (b.c.  1001-947),  of  the  Chou  dynasty,  in  his  expeditions  against  the  tribes  of 
southern  and  western  provinces.  These  eight  fabled  horses,  coming  from  a rare  blooded  Eastern 
strain,  travelled,  as  recorded,  “wherever  wheel  ruts  ran  or  hoofs  had  trodden,”  and  were  turned 
loose  to  roam  freely  through  fields  and  pastures. 

The  pine  or  fir  tree  is  introduced  as  an  emblem  of  longevity,  and  the  composition  appears  to  be  in- 
spired from  an  early  Sung  or  Yuan  painting. 


:i56] 


GROUP  OF 

POWDER-BLUE  OBJECTS 


No.  333.  Powder-blue  Vase 

With  famille  verte  panels 

CYLINDRICAL  club  shape  (t'ung  P'ing),  with  sloping  shoulder  and 
contracted  mortar-like  neck,  flaring  out  toward  the  flanged  lip.  Fine 
white  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain  with  deep  powder-blue  souffle  glaze,  re- 
lieved by  white  reserved  panels  that  are  separately  outlined  and  painted  in 
translucent  overglaze  colours  of  the  famille  verte  genre.  The  four  large 
vertical  panels  display  “gift  objects”  of  mandarin  rank  and  scholarly  attain- 
ments. Eight  small  white  panels,  in  quadrifoil  shapes,  are  posed  between 
the  major  panels  and  contain  landscape  and  floral  subjects  in  like  overglaze 
colours.  Underneath,  the  white  panel  bears  a double  ring. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17%  inches  Diameter,  7^2  inches 

Plate  XXXVIII 

The  term  “powder-blue”  is  applied  to  examples  with  the  souffle  speckled  or  powdered  bleu 
fouette  ground,  produced  by  blowing  the  liquid-blue  color  on  an  object  by  means  of  a bamboo  tube — 
the  primitive  form  of  atomizer  used  in  China;  the  white  reserves  being  obtained  by  thin  pieces  of 
paper  cut  out  in  the  desired  shape  and  pasted  on  the  body  of  the  object  to  be  so  treated. 


C 1593 


No.  334.  Powder-blue  Vase 

With  famille  verte  panels 

TALL  cylindrical  club  shape  (t'ung  p'ing),  with  the  usual  contracted 
mortar-like  neck.  Its  decoration  presents  a mazarin-blue  souffle 
ground  with  foliated  panels  reserved  in  the  white  and  separately  painted  in 
overglaze  famille  verte  colours;  depicting  the  favourite  (ssu  chi-hua)  flow- 
ering plants  of  the  four  seasons,  each  vertical  panel  presenting  a special 
blossom  symbolical  of  its  season:  the  peony  (mu-tan)  for  spring,  the  lotus 
(lien-hua)  for  summer,  the  chrysanthemum  (chu-hua)  for  autumn,  and  the 
white  plum  (mei-hua)  blossom  for  winter.  Eight  small  foliated  vignettes 
occupy  the  spaces  between  the  large  panels  and  disclose  floral  sprays,  while 
the  powder-blue  neck  sustains  two  fan-shaped  panels  with  floral  plants.  Un- 
derneath, the  white  foot  panel  bears  a blue  ring. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17%  inches  Diameter,  7%  inches 

Plate  XXXVIII 


No.  335.  Powder-blue  Plaque 

With  famille  verte  reserves 

ROUND  shallow  shape,  early  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty,  with  brilliant  “powder- 
blue”  embellishment  sustaining  white  reserved  panels  separately 
painted  in  translucent  enamel  colours  of  the  famille  verte  genre.  The 
foliated  central  panel  in  octuple  form  presents  freely  rendered  floral  plants 
and  a flying  phoenix  bird  or  fabled  feng-huang.  Upon  like  powder-blue 
ground,  the  border  displays  eight  white  vignettes  filled  with  small  floral 
motifs  in  harmony  with  the  famille  verte  centre.  With  floral  spray  its  re- 
verse panel  bears  a lozenge  or  fang  shang  mark  with  fillets. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Diameter,  16  inches 

Plate  XXXVIII 


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No.  336.  Powder-blue  Jar 

OF  ovoid  shape,  with  powder-blue  (bleu  fouette)  glazed  body  sustaining 
white  reserves  in  foliated  panel  forms,  separately  painted  in  famille 
verte  colours.  Three  large  panels  display  chrysanthemum,  lotus,  and  peony 
flowers,  while  intervening  small  white-lobed  vignettes  are  filled  with  varied 
flowering  plants.  The  bell-shaped  cover  is  decorated  in  like  manner.  Fitted 
with  an  or-molu  stand  in  Louis  Quinze  style. 

Date : Late  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  20  inches  with  cover 


No.  337.  Large  Monochrome  Powder-blue  Vase 

CYLINDRICAL  club  shape,  with  rounded  shoulder  and  mortar-like 
neck.  Vibrant  K'ang  Hsi  porcelain,  glazed  in  a deep  monochrome 
powder-blue  (ch'ui  ch'ing,  or  “blown  blue”)  of  brilliant  souffle  (bleu 
fouette)  quality.  A soft  old  gold  pencilled  tracery  that  remains  in  floral 
design  with  symbolic  peony  plants  and  birds  is  distinctly  visible,  its  luxu- 
riance and  the  perfection  of  its  rendering  giving  added  charm. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  28^2  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


C161] 


No.338-  Decorated  Powder-blue  Vase 

TALL  ovoid  shape,  with  expanding  tubular  neck,  the  brilliant  powder- 
blue  (bleu  fouette)  glaze,  with  a superimposed  gold  tracery  in  chrysan- 
themum design,  forming  a blue  and  gold  background  for  the  separately 
painted  figure  decoration.  This  represents  the  three  Taoist  star  gods  of 
happiness,  of  rank,  and  of  longevity  (Fu,  Lu,  and  Shou),  with  their  at- 
tributes and  accompanied  by  small  children.  The  neck,  with  powder-blue 
ground  and  gold  pencilled  tracery,  displays  circular  shou  emblems  of 
longevity  alternately  with  small  swastika  crosses,  the  combinations  meaning 
“myriad  ages.”  The  sun  disc  over  the  figures  indicates  their  meeting  at 
high  noon. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  18  inches  Diameter,  7 *4  inches 

A similar  example  exists  in  the  Grandidier  Collection,  Musee  du  Louvre,  Paris. 


No.  339.  Decorated  Powder-blue  Vase 

TALL  ovoid  baluster  shape,  similar  to  the  preceding.  Its  brilliant 
powder-blue  (bleu  fouette)  glaze,  with  superimposed  gold  tracery, 
shows  small  fishes  and  ferns  at  the  neck,  together  with  a border  on  the  shoul- 
der. The  reserved  and  separately  painted  on-glaze  decoration  presents  the 
three  star  gods  (Fu,  Lu,  and  Shou),  accompanied  by  small  children,  and  a 
stork  that  appears  close  to  the  god  of  longevity.  A palm  tree  and  red  sun 
disc,  together  with  a bat  near  the  shoulder,  complete  the  coloured  decoration. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  18  24  inches  Diameter,  7^  inches 


C 162  2 


No.34°-  Powder-blue  Vase 

GALLIPOT  shape,  covered  with  a powder-blue  souffle  glaze  of  deep 
mazarin  tone  and  uniform  quality  that  agreeably  sustains  a superposed 
gold  tracery  in  the  form  of  blossom-bearing  plum  trees  (mei-hua),  freely 
rendered,  together  with  birds.  The  French  or-molu  mounts  are  in  Louis 
Seize  style. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  341.  Powder-blue  and  Green  Decorated  Bowl 

FINE  large  rounded  form,  with  flaring  lip  and  thin  sides.  The  brilliant 
powder-blue  (bleu  fouette)  glaze  of  deep  sapphire  tone  which  invests 
the  exterior  is  supplemented  by  an  overglaze  green-painted  band  in  the  form 
of  eight  contiguous  panels,  which,  with  the  powder-blue  foundation,  display 
poetic  inscriptions  alternately  with  flower  motifs.  The  white  interior  sus- 
tains a phcenix  bird  medallion  and  a brocaded  rim  border  in  famille  verte, 
interrupted  by  coral-red  dragon  vignettes.  Underneath,  the  foot  bears  a 
lozenge  mark  within  rings. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  4 inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  342.  Sapphire  Blue  and  Red  Jar 

BARREL  shape,  with  lustrous  underglaze  copper-red  foundation,  trend- 
ing to  a rare  peach-bloom  tint  and  involving  deep  sapphire-blue  flowers 
and  leafy  scrolls  in  tangible  relief,  which  together  form  a contrasting  setting 
for  two  blue  and  white  dragon  panels  of  exceptional  quality. 

Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  4%  inches  Diameter,  5%  inches 


C 163  d 


GROUP  OF 

BLUE  AND  WHITE  PORCELAINS 


No.  343.  Decorated  Blue  and  White  Vase 

GRACEFUL  baluster  shape,  the  brilliant  cobalt-blue  underglaze  paint- 
ing presenting  two  upright  panels  with  typical  landscape  views, 
rendered  in  vibrant  dark  and  light  blue  tones.  The  details  on  obverse  side 
include  hills,  rocky  ledges,  pavilions,  and  Taoist  sages  with  their  attendants ; 
while  lake  and  pleasure  boats  with  mountains  are  shown  on  the  reverse  panel. 
The  white  neck  is  encircled  by  a series  of  narrow  blue  bands  together  with 
a row  of  shou  or  longevity  characters. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17 y2  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  344.  Large  Blue  and  White  Oviform  Vase 

EXPANDED  baluster  shape,  with  slightly  flaring  neck.  The  underglaze 
cobalt-blue  painting,  with  exceptional  precision,  presents  flowering 
peonies,  magnolia,  and  other  plants  growing  amid  conventional  rockeries. 
The  design  on  obverse  side  is  centred  by  a phoenix  bird  (feng-huang)  and  its 
mate,  while  the  reverse  side  presents  white  and  blue  silhouetted  met  blos- 
soms. Varied  ornate  blue  border  motifs  encircle  the  neck,  and  a narrow 
herring-bone  band  finishes  the  shoulder.  Has  double  ring  mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  83^  inches 

Plate  XXXIX 


[167] 


No.  345.  Pair  of  Unique  Blue  and  White  Vases 

FLATTENED  quadrangular  shapes,  with  pendulous  bodies  raised  on 
pyramidal  bases.  The  brilliant  underglaze  cobalt-blue  painting  repre- 
sents landscape  and  river  scenes,  including  habitations,  silicic  peaks,  rocky 
ledges,  and  bridges,  with  figures  of  sages  who  are  accompanied  by  attendants. 
The  expanding  bases,  with  diaper  pattern  grounds,  display  foliated  white 
vignettes  that  hold  blue  rocks  and  plant  motifs.  The  flat  panels  underneath 
are  in  unglazed  biscuit  state. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  20%  inches  Width,  7^  x 6y2  inches 

Plate  XXXIX 


No.  346.  Decorated  Blue  and  White  Vase 

GRACEFUL  oviform,  swelling  toward  the  shoulder  and  with  everted 
neck.  Fine  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain  with  slight  peau  d’orange 
surface,  the  underglaze  cobalt-blue  decoration  presenting  a mountainous 
landscape  and  river  scene  with  trees,  pavilion,  and  fishermen’s  huts  and  boats. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  16  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


D68] 


* 


No.  347.  Pair  of  Blue  and  White  Vases 

TALL  beaker  shapes,  with  oviform  bodies  and  flaring  necks,  the  cobalt- 
blue  decoration  displaying  a diaper  pattern  interrupted  by  eight 
broadly  outlined  foliate  medallions,  each  carrying  a Taoist  genius,  painted 
in  varying  tones  of  blue.  The  figures  are  Chung-li  Ch'uan,  with  his  fan; 
Chang  Kuo  Lao,  conjuring  his  mule  from  a gourd,  the  celestial  who 
ascended  to  heaven  without  suffering  bodily  dissolution;  Ts'ao  Kuo-ch'in, 
who  appears  with  his  castanets;  Han  Hsiang-tzu,  who  is  playing  upon  a 
flute;  Li  T'ieh-kuai,  of  the  “iron  staff,”  exhaling  his  spiritual  essence  to- 
ward the  clouds ; Lan  Ts'ai-ho,  who  holds  a scroll ; Lii  Tung-pin,  who  holds 
a basket  of  strange  plants ; and  Ho  Hsien-Ku,  wandering  amid  garden  plants. 
Ring  marks  appear  pencilled  in  blue  beneath  the  glazed  base. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  17%  inches  Diameter,  7 % inches 


No.  348.  Pair  of  Stately  Blue  and  White  Jars 

With  original  covers 

TALL  octagonal  shapes  of  graceful  oviform  contour  and  clear  white- 
textured  porcelain,  profusely  decorated  in  rich  underglaze  cobalt-blue. 
The  eight  vertical  sides,  with  floriated  bordering  on  each  example,  present 
symbolical  flowering  plants,  alternately  including  the  tree  peony,  wild 
prunus,  hydrangea,  and  camellia  with  their  blossoms.  The  gnarly  trees, 
springing  from  garden  rockeries  at  the  rim  of  the  bases,  reach  over  the 
rounded  shoulders;  their  minute  details  showing  brilliant  contrasting  blue 
tints  with  foliated  edges  under  perfect  pellucid  glazing.  The  octagonal 
covers,  en  suite,  cognately  sustain  eight  floral  panels,  with  rim  bands  and 
large  lotus-flowered  knobs. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  23^  inches  Diameter,  13^2  inches 

Plate  XL 


D69] 


No.  349.  Two  Blue  and  White  Palace  Jars 

GRACEFUL  tall  oviform,  with  short  neck.  Hard-paste  porcelain,  deco- 
rated in  lustrous  cobalt-blue  of  deep  quality.  Their  luxuriant  embel- 
lishment consists  of  numerous  lotus  flowers  posed  on  curving  stems  amid 
leafy  scrolls,  and  arranged  so  as  to  display  in  each  flower,  amid  a whorl  of 
petals,  a fungus-like  corolla,  emblem  of  immortality.  The  necks  are  en- 
circled by  bands  of  conventionalized  lotus  petals,  which  motifs  are  repeated 
around  the  bases.  Have  original  covers. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  21  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  13  inches 


No. 350.  Large  Blue  and  White  Palace  Jar 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  neck  and  everted  base. 

Fine  hard-textured  seventeenth  century  porcelain,  sustaining  a bril- 
liant cobalt-blue  painting  under  a pellucid  and  perfect  glaze.  The  design 
includes  a series  of  four  vertical  panels  displaying  flower  baskets  alternately 
with  landscape  views.  These  panels  are  separated  by  vertical  contrasting 
blue  bands  with  white  hawthorn  (mei)  blossom  design.  The  rounded  shoul- 
der displays  circular  medallions  with  lotus-flower  details,  separated  by 
flowering  potted  plants;  all  being  posed  on  the  wide  blue  lambrequin  border. 
The  embellishment  is  completed  at  the  neck  by  narrow  bands  in  lanceolated 
and  contiguous  semicircular  forms.  Has  teak-wood  cover. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  23  inches  Diameter,  13  inches 


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No.  351*  Tall  Blue  and  White  Vase 

SLENDER  baluster  form,  with  underglaze  cobalt-blue  decoration  pre- 
senting varied  flowering  trees  and  plants,  among  which  appear  blossoms 
of  the  wild  prunus,  chrysanthemum,  and  magnolia,  together  with  frag- 
mentary landscapes.  The  shoulder  is  encircled  by  a deep  cinquefoil  lambre- 
quin design,  while  the  base  displays  an  ascending  flowered  gadroon  border. 
With  or-molu-bronze  stand. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  i6f4  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  352.  Large  Blue  and  White  Hexagonal  Vase 

WITH  linear  compressed  shoulder  and  attenuated  tall  neck,  the  decora- 
tion in  deep  underglaze  cobalt-blue  presenting  on  the  expanding  lower 
section  six  vertical  panels  that  alternately  display  emblematical  fruit  and 
flower  motifs,  while  other  floral  sprays  are  uniformly  displayed  on  the  re- 
ceding neck.  Diverse  borders  in  lanceolated  and  angular  designs  finish  the 
rim  of  shoulder,  with  fanciful  floral  pendants  that  are  repeated  at  the  neck 
and  in  a reversed  form  at  the  base,  together  with  floral  and  fruit  details. 
Underneath,  the  panel  bears  a double  ring  mark. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  27 U inches  Diameter,  13  inches 


[ 1 71  J 


No.  353.  Tall  Blue  and  White  Vase 

Mei  p'ing 

NARROW-NECKED  goulot  or  gallipot  shape,  tapering  downward 
from  the  shoulder.  Thickly  potted  porcelain,  possibly  Annamese, 
painted  in  underglaze  cobalt-blue  with  large  flowering  variety  of  peony 
trees  growing  close  to  rockeries.  In  the  Ming  style  and  showing  two  shades 
of  blue  under  a vitreous  grayish-white  crackle  glazing.  Has  a biscuit  foot 
and  uncertain  provenance. 

Date:  Probably  XVIII  century  Height,  32^2  inches  Diameter,  15  inches 


No.  354.  Blue  and  White  Bottle-shaped  Vase 

GRACEFUL  pear  shape,  receding  into  a slender  neck  with  slightly 
everted  lip  and  spreading  foot.  Pellucid  white  porcelain,  the  decora- 
tion, in  deep  cobalt-blue  under  the  brilliant  glaze,  presenting  varied  panels 
of  flowers,  vases,  beakers,  and  seated  maidens  holding  fans.  The  neck  has 
scalloped  borders  and  strewn  blossoms.  Bears  double  ring  mark. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  10%  inches  Diameter,  4^  inches 

Plate  XLI 


No.  3 55.  Blue  and  White  Bottle-shaped  Vase 

COMPANION  to  the  preceding,  with  slight  variation  in  detail.  With- 
out mark. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  11  inches  Diameter,  454  inches 

Plate  XLI 


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No.  356.  Pair  of  Blue  and  White  Bottles 

BULBOUS  pear  shapes,  with  receding  tubular  necks.  The  decoration, 
which  is  finely  painted  in  brilliant  underglaze  blue,  consists  of  various 
ornaments,  vases,  ribbon  and  tasselled  pendants,  supplemented  by  successive 
borders  and  a band  of  sceptre-head  scrolls.  The  neck  includes  floral  motifs. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  12  inches  Diameter,  6y2  inches 

Plate  XU 


No.  357.  Blue  and  White  Vase 

Heightened  with  red 

CYLINDRICAL  “club  shape,”  the  decoration,  with  brilliant  under- 
glaze cobalt-blue,  including  a modicum  of  copper-red,  and  presenting 
an  interior  view  of  a summer  palace  that  opens  on  a terraced  garden  and  is 
occupied  by  an  empress  who  is  surrounded  by  her  ladies-in-waiting;  some 
of  these  bear  fans  of  state  and  bannerettes.  A minister  in  ancient  costume 
stands  on  a drab  and  red  coloured  mat,  bearing  an  ancestral  tablet  of 
ceremony,  attended  by  servants  who  are  depicted  carrying  presents.  The 
accessories,  with  scrolling  cloud  strata,  include  palm  trees  and  vibrant  blue 
rocks.  The  scene  is  beautifully  painted  in  rich  cobalt-blue  of  varying 
depths.  Bears  double  ring  mark,  ascribed  to  the  period  of  K'ang  Hsi. 

Date : Late  XVII  century  Height,  17%.  inches  Diameter,  754  inches 


C x73  1 


No.  358.  Pair  of  Blue  and  White  Palace  Jars 

TALL  ovoid  shapes,  with  brilliant  cobalt-blue  underglaze  decoration  of 
the  seventeenth  century,  sustaining  deep  scalloped  lambrequin  borders 
in  quadrifoil  forms,  with  well  defined  blue  outline,  enclosing  peony  flowers 
and  fanciful  leafy  scrolls  in  white  reserve  on  blue  ground.  Four  blue 
lozenge-shaped  floral  panels  appear  on  the  white  field  below,  supplemented 
at  the  base  by  an  ascending  palmation.  The  blue  flower  brocaded  design 
extends  into  the  neck.  The  blue  and  white  dome-shaped  cover,  en  suite, 
surmounted  by  fuh-lions,  displays  lambrequin  design. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  34  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  19  inches 


No.  359.  Cylindrical  Blue  and  White  Vase 

THE  so-called  “club  shape,”  or  “rouleau,”  with  short  everted  neck. 

Clear  white  Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain,  with  deep  cobalt-blue  under- 
glaze presenting  a blue  ground  of  conventionalized  lotus  design,  interrupted 
by  six  diversely  formed  panels,  in  white  reserve,  containing  pictures  of  land- 
scape, “sea-horses”  (over  waves),  flower  baskets,  deer  under  trees,  and  gift 
objects  of  the  Mandarin.  The  shoulder  is  surrounded  by  a floral  border  and 
the  rim  of  neck  by  a band  of  dentations. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  16  inches  Diameter,  7^2  inches 


No.  360.  Blue  and  White  Temple  jar 

With  original  cover 

ROUND-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  short  neck.  The  decoration, 
. in  underglaze  cobalt-blue,  is  composed  of  a series  of  four  arched  panels, 
each  picturing  a mythical  animal  of  the  ch'i-lin  (ky-lin)  genre,  standing  on 
rocks  and  under  cloud  scrolls,  together  with  bordering.  Bears  a double  ring 
mark,  and  the  porcelain  cover  presents  a group  of  children  at  play. 


Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  16  inches  with  cover 

[1743 


Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  361.  Blue  and  White  Hawthorn  Plum  Jar 

Mei  hua  Kuan 

SO-CALLED  “ginger  jar,”  of  ovoid  shape,  with  lustrous  cobalt-blue  un- 
derglaze decoration  on  a cumulus-blue  ground,  sustaining  painted 
reticulations  to  represent  fissures  of  breaking  ice,  relieved  by  clusterings  of 
prunus  blossoms  (mei-hua)  reserved  in  the  white  and  intermingled  with 
scattered  single  buds  (emblems  of  the  New  Year). 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  10  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  7 ]/2  inches 


No.  362.  Blue  Hawthorn  Plum  Jar 

OVOID  form,  with  cobalt-blue  decoration  under  the  pellucid  glaze,  pre- 
senting the  wild  prunus  tree  (mei-hua)  with  four  branches  spreading 
alternately  downward  from  the  shoulder  and  upward  from  the  base,  closely 
filled  with  white  blossoms  and  buds  against  a vibrant  blue  ground,  cross- 
hatched  to  suggest  “breaking  ice.”  The  cover  is  of  later  period. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  ()l/2  inches  Diameter,  8 inches 


No.  363.  Two  Blue  Hawthorn  Jars 

GALLIPOT  shapes,  the  cobalt-blue  decoration  under  the  pellucid  glaze 
presenting  mei-hua  or  so-called  “hawthorn  blossoms,”  scattered  in 
clustering  groups  upon  a blue  and  white  ground,  with  delicate  cross-hatching 
symbolizing  broken  ice  and  approaching  spring. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  7 inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  364.  Two  Small  Blue  Hawthorn  Jars 

OVOID  shapes,  invested  with  a brilliant  cobalt-blue  decoration  marked 
with  cross-hatched  reticulations  to  suggest  the  conventional  fissures  of 
breaking  ice,  and  intermingled  with  white  reserve  clusterings  of  prunus 
blossoms  and  scattering  buds.  Bear  ring  marks. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  5^4  inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  365.  Another  Small  Blue  Hawthorn  Jar 

OVOID  shape,  with  own  cover,  presenting  scattering  clusters  of  plum 
(mei-hua)  blossoms,  similar  to  the  preceding  examples.  Without 

mark. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  5^2  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  366.  Two  Small  Blue  Hawthorn  Jars 

OVOID  shapes,  the  cobalt-blue  decoration  with  clusters  of  plum  blossoms 
(mei-hua)  reserved  in  the  white  over  the  cumulus-blue  background, 
showing  the  fissures  of  breaking  ice.  With  covers. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  6 inches  Diameter,  4%  inches 


[176] 


No.  367.  Two  Blue  and  White  Beakers 

EVERTED  cylinder  forms,  their  rim  expansion  exceeding  the  spread  of 
the  base.  The  underglaze  painting  is  executed  in  brilliant  cobalt-blue, 
with  white  reserves  ornately  outlined.  Each  example  presents  two  deep 
Vandyck  borders  that,  with  intricately  scrolled  foliations,  spring  upward 
from  the  base  and  downward  from  the  rim  respectively.  The  white  inter- 
spaces display  isolated  blue  floral  sprays.  With  covers. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  9 inches  Diameter,  4%  inches 


No.  368.  Three  Blue  and  White  Jars 

OVOID  forms,  with  deep  blue  Vandyck  borders  uniformly  encircling 
the  shoulders  and  bases,  and  having  foliations  enclosing  outlined  orna- 
mentation in  white  reserve.  The  intervening  white  field  bears  detached  blue 
flower  sprays.  With  covers  en  suite. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  8 inches  Diameter,  4 inches 

Note:  The  preceding  three  examples  complete  a garniture  of  five  pieces. 


No.  369.  Tall  Blue  and  Red  Hawthorn  Cup 

DEEP  shape,  with  everted  rim;  the  pale  blue  underglaze  criss-crossed 
reticulation  simulating  fissures  of  breaking  ice,  over  which  appear  red 
mei  blossoms  of  soft  peach-bloom  tint.  Bears  a blue  six-character  Ch'eng 
Hua  mark. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  5%  inches  Diameter,  4%  inches 


[1773 


No.  370.  Decorated  Blue  and  White  Bowl 

WITH  brilliant  underglaze  cobalt-blue  decoration,  the  exterior  pre- 
senting lotus  flowers  and  seed-cups  amid  leafy  scrolls,  which  motif  is 
also  applied  to  the  interior.  Bears  a six-character  mark  of  its  period. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  y/2  inches  Diameter,  7 y2  inches 


No.  371.  Decorated  Blue  and  White  Bowl 

SEXTUPLE  lobed  shape,  the  cobalt-blue  underglaze  decoration  showing 
white  reserved  floral  details  against  the  blue  foundation.  Bears  a six- 
character  mark  of  its  period  within  a double  ring. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  4 inches  Diameter,  7 y2  inches 


D78] 


GROUP  OF 

RARE  BLUE  AND  RED  PORCELAINS 


No.  372.  Blue  and  Red  Wine-dragon  Vase 

TALL  gourd  shape,  with  elongated  and  bulbous  (renfle)  neck.  An  Im- 
perial Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty  porcelain  example,  luxuriantly  decorated  in 
underglaze  cobalt-blue  and  copper-red  against  a lustrous  white  ground,  and 
presenting  nine  red  and  blue  dragons  rampant  amid  symbolical  polyporous 
fungus  or  ling-chi  clumps.  The  design  covers  the  entire  body  from  rim  of 
base  to  upper  lip.  Has  a biscuit  foot. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  26^4  inches  Diameter,  1454  inches 


No.  373.  Large  Blue  and  Red  Palace  Vase 

TALL  oviform  contour,  with  wide  flaring  cornet  neck.  Ta  Ch'ing 
porcelain,  with  rich  copper-red  and  cobalt-blue  underglaze  painting, 
presenting  a panoramic  landscape  with  villages  and  summer  houses  in  the 
hills,  and  including  lake  inlets  and  arched  bridges.  Agriculturists  and 
other  human  figures  are  introduced  over  the  scenery,  together  with  fisher- 
men in  boats.  The  inlets  are  bordered  by  rugged  cliffs,  and  outlying 
mountains  reach  far  into  the  neck.  All  is  animated  and  freely  painted  after 
one  of  the  old  masters. 

Date : Early  XVIII  century  Height,  34  inches  Diameter,  1 5 inches 


No.  374.  Large  Blue  and  Red  Palace  Vase 

WITH  bulbous  oviform  body  and  flaring  neck,  sustaining  two  red 
horned  dragon  handles.  Sonorous  white  Ta  Ch'ing  porcelain,  deco- 
rated in  brilliant  underglaze  cobalt-blue  and  copper-red,  and  uniformly 
presenting  a light  peach-red  wave  pattern,  with  a superposed  design  of  large 
blue  lotus  flowers  that  spread,  amid  leafy  scrolls,  over  the  entire  body.  Four 
flying  ducks  are  introduced  as  emblems  of  fidelity. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  25^4  inches  Diameter,  15  inches 

[1813 


No.  375*  Large  Blue  and  Red  Genii  Vase 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  flaring  neck.  The  painting,  ex- 
ecuted in  underglaze  copper- red  and  cobalt-blue,  comprehends  Taoist 
immortals  and  Rishi,  borne  on  varied  attributes  as  they  cross  the  sea  to  the 
“Isle  of  the  Blest.”  The  neck  holds  Shan  Kien,  who  rides  backward  on  his 
mule  to  enjoy  his  favourite  view  while  it  lasts;  opposite  to  him  appears  Ma 
She-huang,  the  physician,  who  is  being  taken  to  the  Taoist  heaven  on  the 
back  of  a dragon  that  he  cured.  Among  other  more  familiar  Taoist  genii 
are  Lan  Ts'ai-ho,  with  the  flower  basket;  Lu  Tang-ping,  with  a sword 
athwart  his  back ; Li  T'ieh-kuai,  the  beggar  with  crutch ; and  Han  Siang-tsu, 
with  the  flute;  while  the  other,  on  the  back  of  a crawfish,  is  unidentified. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  24  inches  Diameter,  ioy2  inches 


No.  376.  Large  Blue  and  Red  Palace  Vase 

EXPANDED  oviform  shape,  with  attenuated  neck  and  two  rudimentary 
butterfly  handles.  The  body  is  mainly  covered  by  a small  blue  flowered 
“honeycomb”  brocading,  strewn  with  small  red  mei  blossoms.  This  flowered 
and  brocaded  motif  is  interrupted  at  the  shoulder  and  body  by  picture  panels 
in  reserved  foliated  forms,  upon  which  appear  miniature  landscape  and  lake 
scenes  painted  in  underglaze  red  and  blue.  The  neck,  with  cognate  blue 
honeycomb  brocading,  is  encircled  by  four  rouge-de-cuivre  or  red  shou  em- 
blems of  longevity  in  circular  forms. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  19%  inches  Diameter,  14  inches 

Plate  XLII 


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No.  377.  Large  Blue  and  Red  Decorated  Vase 

OF  oviform  shape,  with  curving  tubular  neck.  The  decoration,  in  under- 
glaze cobalt-blue  and  soft  copper- red  (rouge  de  cuivre),  presents  a 
series  of  three  clawed  dragons  and  bats  posed  against  a background  of  en- 
graved white  wave  design.  The  shoulder  is  encircled  by  a deep  lambrequin 
border  in  flowered  red  diaper  pattern  with  equidistant  interruptions  in  the 
form  of  vertical  tablets  that  display  archaic  blue  dragon  devices.  A varied 
series  of  small  borders  finishes  the  neck,  together  with  four  medallions 
picturing  “fuh-dogs,”  bats,  and  Taoist  emblems. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  27  inches  Diameter,  1234  inches 


No.  378.  Large  Red  and  Blue  “Conquering  Hero”  Vase 

TALL  oviform  body,  with  flaring  neck  supporting  two  grotesque  animal 
handles;  the  opulent  decoration,  in  rich  underglaze  copper- red  and 
cobalt-blue  tones,  presenting  a panoramic  landscape  in  connection  with  an 
historical  episode  of  the  wars  during  the  Han  and  the  succeeding  dynasty. 
In  the  foreground,  approaching  from  the  left,  are  seen  a wheel-cart  with 
ladies  and  some  warriors  with  banners,  one  of  whom,  with  martial  appear- 
ance and  long  beard,  is  mounted  and  crossing  a bridge.  This  personage  is 
assumed  to  be  the  hero,  Kuan  Ti,  who  later  was  deified  as  the  “God  of  War.” 
Here  he  is  depicted  as  the  conqueror  of  a city,  where  the  chief  official  re- 
ceives him  with  presents.  Above  on  the  neck  are  seen  the  watch-towers  of 
the  city;  the  reverse  side  shows  a battle  scene. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  3234  inches  Diameter,  1434  inches 


[183] 


No.  379-  Large  Blue  and  Red  Lion-dog  Vase 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  oviform,  with  flaring  neck;  painted  in  rich 
underglaze  cobalt-blue  and  copper-red  (chi-hung)  showing  a “peach- 
bloom”  nuance.  The  decoration  presents  nine  shih-tzu,  or  lion-dogs,  in  blue, 
playing  with  brocaded  ball  emblems  entwined  with  fillets.  These  fantastic 
animals  are  freely  posed  against  a ground  that  is  covered  with  a white  wave 
pattern. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  25%  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  380.  Decorated  Blue  and  Red  Bottle 

NARROW-NECKED  goulot  or  mei  p'ing  shape,  the  decoration,  in  un- 
derglaze cobalt-blue  and  copper-red,  presenting  a blue  fretted  back- 
ground interrupted  by  two  large  white  foliated  reserves  that  enclose  peach- 
red  lion-dogs  (shih-tzu-kou)  playing  with  a brocaded  ball  emblem.  Other 
small  intermediary  panels  sustain  lotus-flower  motifs  in  kindred  red  peach- 
skin  tones. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  10%  inches  Diameter,  5%  inches 


ti8+] 


PORCELAIN  GROUP 
WITH  YELLOW  FOUNDATION 


No.  381.  Large  Decorated  Palace  Vase 

BROAD  oviform,  with  everted  neck  and  rudimentary  butterfly  handles. 

The  shoulder  carries  a deep  blue  scalloped  lambrequin  motif,  filled  in 
with  red  and  green  flowers,  while  the  body  sustains  a solidly  applied  citron- 
yellow  enamelled  foundation,  relieved  by  an  ornate  scrolling  lotus-flower 
border  motif  painted  in  the  polychrome  colours  of  its  period.  The  yellow 
body  colour  is  continued  at  the  neck,  where  it  forms  a contrasting  note  with 
the  ascending  blue  flower  and  leaf  bordering.  The  base  is  encircled  by 
fanciful  gadroon  and  sceptre-head  bands. 

Date  : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  20%  inches  Diameter,  16  inches 

Plate  XLII 


No.  382.  Large  Blue  and  Yellow  Pilgrim  Bottle 

OVOID  contour,  with  small  tubular  neck  and  two  curved  handles;  pre- 
senting an  underglaze  cobalt-blue  decoration  in  the  form  of  varied 
floral  sprays  reserved  against  the  contrasting  Imperial  yellow  enamelled 
body.  Blue  plantain  leaves  surround  the  small  yellow  neck,  and  below  a 
narrow  rim  band  completes  the  blue  details.  Bears  a blue  seal  mark  of 
its  period. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  15  inches  Diameter,  12  inches 


C 187^ 


No.  383.  Large  Blue  and  Yellow  Pilgrim  Bottle 

FLATTENED  circular  or  so-called  “full  moon”  shape,  with  cylindrical 
neck  and  small  recurved  handles ; sustaining  an  overglaze  citron-yellow 
glazed  body  colour  with  underglaze  cobalt-blue  decoration  in  reserve.  The 
obverse  and  reverse  sides  uniformly  present  an  umbilical  centre  medallion 
with  a stellation  of  sceptre  heads  encircled  by  angular  key-fret  (lei-wen) 
bands,  supplemented  by  a wide  scalloped  border  with  eight  radial  lappet- 
like divisions,  holding  the  Buddhist  chi-hsiang,  or  “precious  objects  of  good 
omen.”  Narrow  key-fret  and  scrolling  blue  arabesques  encircle  the  sides, 
while  similar  scroll  motifs  on  base  and  neck  involve  the  sacred  ling-chih. 
Bears  a blue  seal  mark  of  its  period. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch:eng  Height,  193/2  inches  Diameter,  15  inches 

Plate  XLIII 


No. 384.  Another  Blue  and  Yellow  “Full  Moon”  Vase 

SIMILAR  to  the  preceding  example,  with  citron-yellow  ground,  show- 
ing the  cobalt-blue  underglaze  decoration  in  deeper  tones  and  bolder 
rendering.  Bears  blue  seal  mark. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  1934  inches  Diameter,  1 5 inches 

Plate  XLIII 


No.  385.  Pair  of  Yellow  and  Green  Beakers 

CONVENTIONAL  cornet  forms,  the  ovate  yellow  central  segments 
showing  incised  dragon  scroll  motifs  picked  out  in  underglaze  blue, 
while  the  necks  are  encircled  by  long  ascending  plantain  leaves  with  lustrous 
dark  jade-green  glazing.  These  leaf  borders,  in  lighter  green  tone,  are 
repeated  below  in  descending  form  on  the  bases. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  12  inches  Diameter,  6^4  inches 

[ 188] 


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No.  386.  Pair  of  Decorated  Yellow  Ginger  Jars 

OVOID  shapes,  with  a so-called  “Imperial  yellow”  glaze;  presenting 
incised  and  separately  coloured  “gift  objects”  of  the  Mandarin,  ar- 
ranged in  four  groups  that  include  flower  vases  with  blossoms  of  the  wild 
prunus,  peony,  and  lotus,  picked  out  in  green,  yellow,  and  blue  tones  with  a 
modicum  of  white  under  the  vitreous  glaze.  With  covers. 

Date : Late  XVIII  century  Height,  n inches  Diameter,  7%  inches 


C 1893 


GROUP  OF 

MISCELLANEOUS  POTTERIES 


No.  387.  Large  Yuan  Pottery  Plant  Jar 

DEEP  circular  shape,  with  ovoid  contour  and  thick  rounded  rim.  Mas- 
sive Kuang-tung  pottery  of  dense  buff  texture,  with  low-relief  orna- 
mentation on  the  exterior.  Flowering  iris  and  lotus  plants  are  presented 
growing  in  shallow  water,  as  indicated  by  a wave  motif  at  the  base.  This 
reserved  embellishment  in  outline  of  blossoms  and  leafage  is  lightly  raised 
and  freely  picked  out  in  turquoise-blue  and  creamy  white,  tinged  here  and 
there  with  pale  amber  against  a background  of  dark  purplish  (manganese) 
blue  glazing  of  soft  lustre.  The  thick  upper  rim  is  separately  glazed  in 
light  turquoise-blue,  in  harmony  with  the  plants  below.  A Yuan  type, 
ascribed  to  an  early  Ming  era. 

Date:  XV  century  Height,  20  inches  Diameter,  27 y2  inches 

Plate  XLIV 


No.  388.  Large  Ming  Pottery  Plant  Jar  or  Fish  Cistern 

DEEP  circular  shape,  with  flattened  thick  upper  rim.  Dense-textured 
Kuang-tung  pottery,  with  relief  embellishment  and  lustrous  chocolate- 
brown  glazing  on  the  exterior,  presenting  flowering  plants  and  a large 
phoenix  bird  depicted  with  spreading  wings.  The  raised  details,  in  ivory- 
white  and  chestnut  tones,  show  peculiar  tawny  lustre.  The  interior  is  glazed 
in  white. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  20  inches  Diameter,  25^2  inches 


L 193  U 


No.  389.  Green  and  Yellow  Fish  Jar 

IOW  globular  form,  with  two  monster-head  handles  and  rudimentary  rings 
of  dense  Kuang-tung  stoneware.  Its  thick  rounded  rim  presents  an 
Imperial  yellow  glaze  like  the  handles,  while  the  body  itself  is  covered  with 
a vitreous  cucumber-rind  green  enamel  of  even  colour.  The  circular  pot- 
tery stand,  with  broad  grooving  and  engraved  band,  is  glazed  in  dark  mottled 
purplish  brown.  With  pottery  stand. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  13  inches  with  stand  Diameter,  17  inches 


No.  390.  Three  Green  Cochin-Chinese  Pottery  Jars 

OVIFORM  bodies  with  short  necks  and  five  recurving  loop  handles,  the 
ornamentation,  in  low  relief,  presenting  lotus  flowers  with  scrolling 
stems  and  foliage,  picked  out  in  deep  amber-yellow  against  a green  ground 
glazing. 

Date:  Early  XVII  century  Height,  10  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


Similar  in  type  to  those  in  the  Tradescant  Museum  and  in  the  Ashmolean  Museum,  Oxford. 


No.  391.  Three  Green  Cochin-Chinese  Pottery  Jars 

OIMILAR  to  the  preceding  example,  bearing  five  looped  handles  at  the 
O shoulder  and  a scrolling  decoration  in  relief  with  yellow  lotus  flowers 
on  green  ground. 

Date:  Early  XVII  century  Height,  12  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


D94] 


Plate  XLIV 

?U) 

No.  387 
Large 

Yiian  Pottery 
Plant  Jar 


No.  392*  Two  Yellow  and  Green  Splashed  Pottery  Jars 

FASHIONED  in  curious  octagonal  form  of  pumpkins.  Dense  buff  pot- 
tery, coated  in  a lustrous  amber-yellow  glaze  with  minute  crackle  and 
emerald-green  splashes  that  are  repeated  on  the  covers.  With  short  green 
stems. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  n inches  Diameter,  6J/2  inches 


D95] 


MISCELLANEOUS  EXAMPLES 


No-392a*  Decorated  Bat  and  Gourd  Vine  Vase 

BOTTLE  shape,  with  bulbous  body  and  tubular  neck;  entirely  covered 
with  raised  ornament,  carefully  picked  out  in  iridescent  aubergine  and 
leaf-green  glazes  on  a brilliant  ground  of  Imperial  yellow.  The  details 
present  nine  bats  amid  gourd  vines  with  fruit — a good  augury  motif  in  the 
superlative,  symbolizing  long  life  and  many  blessings. 

Date : Late  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  18  inches  Diameter,  9*4  inches 


No. 392B.  Wan  Li  Decorated  Jar 

TYPICAL  oviform  shape,  the  five-colour  overglaze  decoration  on  white 
ground  presenting  semi-nude  Buddhist  boys  among  rouge-de-fer  red 
peony  flowers  and  green  leafy  scrolls;  varied  borders  encircle  the  neck  and 
base.  Mounting  in  rich  Louis  Quatorze  or-molu. 

Date : Ming  dynasty  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  10^2  inches 


No. 392c.  Another  Wan  Li  Jar 

THE  five-colour  decoration  presents  fuh-lions  amid  peony  flowers,  to- 
gether with  varied  borders  in  kindred  colours.  With  or-molu  mount- 
ing. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  17  inches  Diameter,  iol/2  inches 


Z*99l 


No. 392d-  Coral-red  and  Blue  Decorated  Vase 

CYLINDRICAL  club  shape,  with  mortar-like  neck;  presenting  a 
lustrous  coral-red  (rouge-de-fer)  foundation,  relieved  by  a cobalt-blue 
underglaze  decoration,  the  details  of  which  include  a garden  terrace  with 
female  musicians  in  a pavilion.  One  young  lady  is  in  a swing,  and  appears 
indifferent  to  a mounted  young  noble  who  is  riding  away,  followed  by  his 
boy  attendant. 

Date:  Late  XVIII  century  Height,  16  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No. 392E.  Fourfold  Carved  Teak-wood  Screen 

WITH  famille  verte  porcelain  panels,  including  central  panels  with 
warrior  subjects  and  oblong  upper  panels  with  floral  details;  the 
lower  panels  are  glazed  in  celadon  green. 

Date : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  39  inches  Width,  46  inches 


C200] 


CARVED  JADES,  CRYSTALS,  AND 
OTHER  HARD  STONES 


CARVED  JADES,  CRYSTALS,  AND 
OTHER  HARD  STONES 


INHERITING  both  patience  and  skill,  the  Far  Eastern  jade-workers, 
centuries  ago,  attained  preeminence  in  this,  their  special  branch  of  in- 
dustry, which  they  have  industriously  cultivated  through  many  genera- 
tions. Such  advantages  were  singularly  their  own,  and  uniquely  apart  from 
other  manifestations  in  the  applied  arts  of  the  world. 

Dates  cannot  always  be  ascribed  with  certainty  when  dealing  with  Chinese 
carved  jades,  the  chief  reason  being  that  tools  and  methods  of  working  have 
been  the  same  during  all  periods.  Forms  and  ornamentations,  with  slight 
variations,  were  chiefly  archaic  and  often  inspired  by  their  ancient  bronzes, 
which  have  served  as  models  from  one  generation  to  another.  So,  too,  it 
should  be  remembered  that  this  glyptic  art,  like  painting  in  China,  has  been 
fettered  by  traditions  almost  sacred  to  native  ideas  of  antiquity;  as,  with  the 
same  fidelity  of  reproduction,  the  artists  and  craftsmen  strained  every  faculty 
in  repetition  of  forms  handed  down  to  them.  We  can  arrive  at  conclusions 
only  when  studying  some  particular  variety  of  jade  that  was  quarried  long 
ago,  since  later  finds,  whether  nephrite  or  jadeite,  differ  in  a measurable 
degree  in  quality  and  colour,  just  as  modern  lapidary  work  differs,  forms 
becoming  heavy  and  details  no  longer  being  carefully  finished. 

It  is  assumable  that  many  of  the  chefs-d’oeuvre  in  carved  jade,  coming 
chiefly  from  princely  or  mandarin  possessions,  were  originally  given  either 
as  Imperial  gifts  of  state  to  ministers  and  warriors,  or  for  scholarly  attain- 
ments; others,  obviously  designed  for  ceremonial  uses,  have  served  in  temples 
or  private  shrine  worship ; while  still  others  may  have  been  used  as  acces- 
sories to  refined  surroundings. 

The  high  appreciation  of  jade  in  China,  as  one  of  the  most  precious 
materials,  idealized  in  poetry  and  in  the  old  Chinese  classics  “as  the  quintes- 
sence of  creation,”  has  extended  from  remote  ages  to  our  own  time.  The 
most  beautiful  substance  in  which  the  thought  of  man  can  be  embodied ; as 
satisfying  to  the  eye  as  to  the  touch;  its  subtlety,  its  sheen  of  translucency 
when  polished,  combining  mature  appearance  with  freshness, — such  are  the 

[205] 


attributes  that  render  jade  so  gratifying  and  pleasing  to  the  Oriental  mind. 
These  alluring  Eastern  creations,  therefore,  won  the  enthusiastic  admiration 
of  Western  connoisseurs,  like  Edward  R.  Bacon  and  Heber  R.  Bishop  of 
New  York,  Robert  B.  Woodward  of  Brooklyn,  Frederick  L.  Ames  of 
Boston,  Whitney  Morgan  of  New  Orleans,  Samuel  M.  Nickerson  of  Chi- 
cago, Comte  Kleczkowski  of  Paris,1  and  hosts  of  others;  so  the  ne-plus-ultra 
specimens  have  excited  not  only  interest,  but  the  cupidity  of  keen  collectors 
in  both  hemispheres. 

It  is  stated  in  one  of  the  Chinese  classics,  and  may  be  repeated  here,  that 
sages  of  ancient  times  compared  jade  to  virtue,  “because  it  could  not  soil, 
nor  could  friction  injure  it.”  In  this  connection,  a quotation  may  be  per- 
mitted from  the  Li  Ch'i,  or  “Book  of  Rites,”  where  mention  is  made  that  a 
minister  named  Tzu  Rung,  of  the  Chou  dynasty,  said  to  Confucius:  “May 
I venture  to  ask  why  it  is  that  the  model  man  values  jade  and  despises 
steatite?  Is  it  because  jade  is  rare  and  steatite  is  common?”  to  which  the 
philosopher  Confucius  replied:  “The  model  man  of  old  compared  jade  to 
virtue:  it  is  of  warm,  liquid,  and  moist  aspect,  like  benevolence;  it  is  solid, 
strong,  and  firm,  like  politeness;  when  struck,  it  gives  out  a pure,  far- 
reaching  sound,  vibrating  long  but  stopping  abruptly,  like  music;  though 
faulty,  it  does  not  conceal  its  defects ; like  truth,  it  gives  out  a bright  rainbow, 
it  shows  a pure  spirit  among  the  hills  and  streams,  and  in  the  whole  world 
there  is  no  one  that  does  not  value  it.  The  Shih  Ch'ing  (‘Book  of  Odes’) 
says:  ‘When  I think  of  my  Lord,  he  is  soft-looking,  like  jade.’  That  is  why 
the  model  man  values  it  so  highly.” 

NOMENCLATURE 

The  Chinese  character  for  jade,  composed  of  three  horizontal  lines 
united  by  a perpendicular  line  through  the  centre,  is  the  radical  yu,  used 
for  a group  of  compounds  relating  to  gems,  or  for  their  attributes  in  general, 
such  as  “beautiful,”  “precious,”  “perfect,”  and  “rare,” — the  Chinese  saying, 
“Ch'i  chen  ju  yii,”  meaning  “rare  and  precious,  like  jade,”  while  other  terms 
are  equivalent  to  “beautiful  as  jade,”  or  “perfect,  like  jade.” 

The  English  term  jadeite,2  like  its  Chinese  equivalent,  fei-ts'ui,  originally 

1 Comte  Kleczkowski,  an  attache  of  the  French  Embassy  at  Peking,  who  also  served  on  the 
staff  of  General  Comte  Palikao,  commanding  the  French  forces  during  the  T'ai-p'ing  rebellion 
( i 860-61). 

2 The  word  “jadeite”  was  coined  by  the  French  scientist  M.  Damour,  in  1863,  after  his  analy- 
sis of  some  wonderful  white  and  emerald-green  (fei-ts'ui)  jades  that  had  been  brought  to  Paris 
by  Comte  Kleczkowski,  attache  of  the  French  Embassy  at  Peking.  Such  jades  were  the  first  of 
their  kind  to  appear  in  Paris;  and  perhaps  the  most  notable  among  these  were  the  fei-ts'ui  jewels 
of  the  Comtesse  (nee  Tudor,  of  Nahant,  Mass.),  not  to  mention  other  jades  secured  by  the  Comte 

[206] 


applied  to  the  emerald-green  variety,  has  been  lately  extended  to  other  types 
of  this  mineral,  more  especially  to  the  blended  green  and  white  varieties 
found  in  small  masses  and  chiefly  utilized  for  jewelry.  It  may  be  said  that 
jadeite  is  found  in  much  greater  variety  than  nephrite,  though  there  are 
several  typical  and  well-known  forms.  Some  are  not  so  easy  to  distinguish, 
its  usual  structure  being  a massive  crystalline  aggregate  of  granules  with 
singular  toughness,  generally  more  translucent  and  vivid  than  nephrite,  and 
so  diversified  in  colour  that  it  exhibits  an  infinite  variety  of  translucent 
blendings,  which  are  brought  out  by  fine  polishing. 

Jadeite,  when  of  uniformly  brilliant  emerald-green,  is  the  most  highly 
prized  and  rare  type.  Another  precious  and  beautiful  variety  of  emerald- 
green  shows  black  flecking.  Still  another  variety  appears  in  the  Bacon 
Collection,  showing  a pale  turquoise-blue  tint  with  black  flecking.  A light 
lavender  jadeite  with  green  and  gray  blendings  is  also  rare  and  highly 
valued.  Another  not  uncommon  variety  shows  the  grayish  white  and  green 
markings  poetically  termed  by  native  collectors  “hua  hsueh  tai  tsao,”  or 
“moss  entangled  with  melting  snow,”  its  white  crystalline  structure  suggest- 
ing melting  snow  veined  with  lichens  or  fresh  moss  greens. 

Besides  these,  other  types  of  dark  green  jadeite  resembling  serpentine  and 
chloromelanite,  said  to  come  from  Western  Yunnan,  are  to  be  noted. 
Jadeite  pebbles,  like  those  of  nephrite,  often  exhibit  the  red  or  brownish 
tones  of  the  matrix  crust,  which  is  due  to  the  penetration  of  iron  from  the 
soil  in  which  they  were  embedded. 

The  native  amateur  likens  a finished  example  of  pure  white  jade  to 
liquescent  mutton  suet,  or  congealed  lard;  another  variety  is  likened  to  “rice 
water,”  another  resembles  “cream  and  whey,”  and  still  another  is  called 
“camphor  jade”  owing  to  its  crystalline  structure. 

Nephrite  varies  widely  between  pure  white  (called  pai-yu  by  the  Chinese) 
and  many  faint  shadings  of  grayish  or  greenish  tones;  other  varieties  are 
pale  yellow  (like  beeswax),  bluish  grays  (tsui-yii),  half  white  and  half  red 
(juan-yii),  brown  (tzu-yii),  black  (chieh-yii),  ink-coloured  (mo-yii),  con- 
cluding with  moss-green  (like  boiled  spinach),  which  is  the  most  common 
form  of  nephrite,  termed  pi-yii  and,  locally,  Ma-na-assu,  meaning  “the  stone 
from  Manas,”  in  Sungaria,  where  it  was  especially  quarried. 

Nephrite  belongs  to  the  amphibole  group  of  minerals,  distinguished  from 
termolite,  actinolite,  or  white  hornblende  solely  by  its  structure,  which  is 

for  Empress  Eugenie.  Later  the  Kleczkowski  Collection  of  Jades  and  Porcelains  was  exhibited  in 
the  Musee  des  Arts  Decoratifs  ( circa  1884),  when  the  collection  was  purchased  en  bloc  by  the  writer 
for  a New  York  concern  long  since  out  of  business.  These  were  the  objects  that  stimulated  col- 
lectors like  the  late  Heber  R.  Bishop,  Mrs.  Charles  Morgan,  Frederick  L.  Ames,  S.  M.  Nickerson, 
W.  T.  Walters,  Brayton  Ives,  and  others  in  America. 

C207J 


always  a compact  aggregate  of  closely  matted  fibres,  never  discrete  crystals, 
as  are  the  others.  This  fibrous  quality  of  structure  in  both  nephrite  and 
jadeite  makes  them  very  difficult  to  cut.  To  the  Chinese,  the  traditional 
source  of  jade  has  been  the  rivers  flowing  from  the  K'un-lun  Mountains. 
Native  books  on  jade  give  Lan-t'ien,  in  the  province  of  Shensi,  as  one  of 
the  sources  of  jade,  but  the  supply  there  appears  to  have  been  exhausted  long 
ago  ( vide  Laufer,  p.  24). 

Probably  the  most  beautiful  jade  objects  have  been  executed  in  the  Im- 
perial ateliers  of  Peking  during  the  eighteenth  century.  It  may  be  assumed 
that  many  of  the  precious  jades  now  in  European  and  American  collections 
first  came  into  dealers’  hands  through  the  looting  of  the  Yuan  Ming  Yuan, 
or  Summer  Palace,  during  the  T'ai-p'ing  rebellion,  and  after  the  Anglo- 
French  occupation  of  Peking  in  i860. 

The  most  extensive  collection  of  jade  and  other  hard  stones  in  existence 
anywhere  to-day  is  the  Heber  R.  Bishop  Collection,  on  exhibition  at  the 
Metropolitan  Museum  of  Art  in  New  York  City,  consisting  of  about  one 
thousand  pieces,  which  took  Mr.  Bishop,  to  the  writer’s  knowledge,  close  to 
a quarter  of  a century  to  make.  Among  these  are  some  of  the  rarest  exam- 
ples known.  The  Bishop  Collection  is  supplemented  by  a collection  of 
han  yii  and  “tomb  jades”  lately  presented  by  Mr.  Samuel  T.  Peters. 

The  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  in  Chicago  houses  Mrs.  Black- 
stone’s  Collection,  made  through  Professor  Berthold  Laufer,  which  is  com- 
posed chiefly  of  Chou,  Han,  and  so-called  “tomb  jades,”  which  present  an 
interesting  archeological  phase,  setting  forth  the  ancient  culture  and  life 
of  the  people  in  China  before  the  Christian  era.1  The  Art  Institute  in  the 
same  city  shows  the  Nickerson  Collection,  noted  for  its  beautiful  eighteenth 
century  jades. 

The  Boston  Museum  of  Art  contains  the  collection  of  jades  and  other 
hard  stones  donated  by  the  late  Frederick  L.  Ames,  among  which  are  im- 
portant and  valuable  examples,  chiefly  of  the  seventeenth  and  eighteenth 
centuries. 

The  Museum  of  the  Brooklyn  Institute  of  Arts  and  Sciences  (Eastern 
Parkway)  houses  the  splendid  Woodward  Collection  of  Jades,  while  the 
Isaac  Delgado  Museum  of  Art  in  New  Orleans  exhibits  the  interesting  jade 
collection  donated  by  the  late  Morgan  Whitney,  of  that  city. 

The  Bacon  Collection  of  Jades  and  other  hard  stones,  besides  being  of 
great  extent  and  variety,  contains  many  unique  examples  from  princely  col- 
lections, in  the  main  making  it  a most  notable  possession. 

1 “Jade,  A Study  in  Chinese  Archaeology  and  Religion,”  by  Berthold  Laufer.  Anthropological 
Series:  Vol.  X.  Chicago,  1912. 


[2083 


GROUP  OF 

WHITE  JADE  OBJECTS 


No.  393.  White  Jade  Reticulated  Rose  Jar 

UNIQUE  globular  shape,  raised  on  three  slender  feet;  with  pierced  and 
ornately  carved  ornamentation.  The  tripod  bowl  presents  an  elaborate 
mu-tan  peony-flower  motif,  with  three  phoenix  birds,  carefully  carved  in  the 
round  and  continued  with  great  technical  perfection  of  detail  on  the  in- 
terior, where  the  blossoms,  birds,  and  foliage  are  shown  with  equal  fidelity 
in  rendering.  The  cover,  with  cognate  pierced  ornament,  cut  from  the  same 
translucent  white  nephrite,  presents  three  dragons  amid  peony  flowers,  sur- 
mounted by  an  open  carved  peony-flower  knob  with  undercutting  and 
foliage.  An  Imperial  example,  accompanied  with  double  stands,  executed 
in  elaborate  openwork  carving. 

Date:  XVIII  century;  Height,  7*4  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  7 % inches 
era  of  Ch'ien  Lung 

Plate  XLV 


No.  394.  White  Jade  Dragon  Vase 

FASHIONED  in  tall  ovoid  form,  with  two  archaic  bird-head  handles 
including  loose  rings,  from  a solid  block  of  white  nephrite  (pai-yii) 
of  translucent  quality.  The  boldly  carved  embellishment  in  high  relief  pre- 
sents a pair  of  dragons  that  have  arisen  from  the  sea  in  quest  of  the  effulgent 
pearl-like  jewel;  their  bodies  appearing  in  the  round,  while  their  claw  feet 
clasp  the  sides  of  the  vase.  The  cover,  of  cognate  jade,  is  surmounted  by  a 
coiled  dragon. 

Date:  XVIII  century;  Height,  9 inches  with  cover  Width,  4%  x 2^  inches 
era  of  Ch'ien  Lung 

Plate  XLV 


On] 


No.  395*  Tall  White  Jade  Lotus  Ewer 

SLENDER  ovoid  form  with  curving  lotus-stem  handle  and  lotus-leaf 
spout,  supported  by  lotus  blossoms.  Other  lotus  blossoms,  carved  in 
free  relief,  sustain  Buddhistic  figures  of  youths,  symbolizing  purity,  like  the 
flowers.  The  vase  itself  is  supported  on  a lotus  flower,  and  its  cover,  of  like 
material,  is  surmounted  by  two  flowering  buds  carved  with  openwork  and 
undercutting. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  9%  inches  with  cover  Width,  434  x 2%  inches 

Plate  XLV 


No.  396.  White  Jade  Vase  and  Bird  Group 

SCULPTURED  from  a mass  of  grayish-white  nephrite,  the  group  in- 
cludes a covered  vase  of  slender  baluster  form  with  four  small  archaic 
dragon  handles.  Beside  the  vase  appears  a water  coupe  of  shallow  quadri- 
lobed  form,  resting  upon  openwork  fungus  stems,  while  its  upper  rim  sus- 
tains a free  standing  phoenix  bird  carved  in  the  round  and  finely  polished. 
Bears  seal  mark  of  the  Ch'ien  Lung  period.  Accompanied  by  an  elaborately 
carved  ivory  stand. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  5 inches  Width,  5x23/2  inches 

Plate  XLV 


No.  397.  White  Jade  Animal  Group 

REPRESENTING  three  fuh-lions  (shih  tzu),  sculptured  from  a solid 
mass  of  white  nephrite  (pai-yii)  with  inserted  black  obsidian  eyes.  The 
larger  grotesque  animal,  with  flame-like  appendages  and  bushy  tail,  is 
depicted  in  standing  pose  “guarding  its  young.”  One  of  these  clings  to  the 
side,  while  another  appears  on  the  back  of  its  protector. 


Date:  XVIII  century 


Height,  4 inches 
[212] 


Length,  5%  inches 


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No.  398.  Imperial  White  Jade  Bowl 

Yii  tso  wan 

WIDE  rounded  shape,  posed  on  four  low  feet  and  supporting  four 
carved  handles  in  the  form  of  bats,  together  with  suspended  rings. 
Its  exterior  carries  a broad  band  of  hieratic  scrolls  and  cartouche  motifs 
between  the  handles,  the  white  nephrite  (pai-yii)  showing  an  even  suet-like 
colour  of  the  “mutton-fat”  variety,  with  translucency  and  fine  polish. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  3^2  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  399.  Pair  of  White  Jade  Bowls 

Shuang  wan 

IOW  circular  forms  with  four  rudimentary  feet.  Fashioned  in  pure  white 
nephrite  (pai-yii)  of  even  colour  and  suet-like  translucency,  trending  to 
the  “mutton-fat”  variety.  The  exteriors  display  a dentillated  band  of  con- 
tiguous small  raised  cubes,  while  the  interiors  sustain  the  “double-fish”  or 
Buddhist  yii  emblem,  symbolizing  conjugal  felicity,  carved  in  tangible  bas- 
relief. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  2 inches  Diameter,  5^4  inches 

Plate  XLV 


[213] 


No.  400.  Imperial  White  Jade  Brush  Jar 

WIDE  cylindrical  pi-t'ung  shape,  raised  on  four  low  rudimentary  feet. 

Fashioned  from  a large  block  of  pure  white  nephrite  (pai-yii),  its 
limpid  translucency  and  uniform  colour  displaying  the  esteemed  suet-like 
“mutton-fat”  variety.  A landscape  (shan-chu)  is  presented  on  the  exterior, 
artistically  carved  in  sunken  relief,  with  high  cliffs,  fruit  and  fir  trees;  all 
subservient  to  the  beautiful  material  itself. 

From  the  Prince  Kung  Collection. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  5 inches  Diameter,  5^4  inches 

This  rare  example  is  supported  on  a gilt-bronze  balustraded  stand  in  quadrangular  form, 
studded  with  numerous  amethyst  and  green  beryl  stones,  with  dragon  corner  ornaments. 


No.  401.  White  Pierced  Jade  Rose  Jar 

OF  semi-globular  shape,  supporting  two  clusters  of  intricately  carved 
openwork  peony  flowers.  The  bowl  itself  is  raised  on  a spreading 
rimmed  foot,  with  fanciful  pierced  leaf  ornaments,  while  its  perforated 
body,  with  finely  polished  undercutting,  sustains  peony  flowers  amid  foliage. 
The  same  openwork  and  floral  motif  is  repeated  on  the  domed  cover,  supple- 
mented by  a delicately  pierced  peony  flower  knob. 

This  example  is  accompanied  by  a bowenite  (pseudo-nephrite)  stand. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3 inches  Width,  5 inches 

between  handles 


No.  402.  Tall  White  Jade  Rustic  Vase 

CARVED  from  a solid  block  of  grayish-white  nephrite  to  represent  a 
plant  with  long  ensiform  leaves,  growing  amid  rockeries  that  flank  the 
base.  The  curling  and  campanulate  leaves  form  deeply  hollowed  apertures 
to  hold  the  season’s  flowering  twigs. 


Date:  XVII  century 


Height,  11^2  inches 

[214;] 


Width,  4^2  x 3 inches 


No,  403.  White  Jade  Mountain  Retreat  with  Figures 

SCULPTURED  in  a block  of  white  nephrite  to  represent  a mountain- 
side cliff  and  cave,  including  the  figure  of  a Buddhist  Arhat,  who  is 
seated  under  a pine  tree  holding  a rosary.  His  sandals  are  removed  and 
appear  near  by,  where  an  attendant  is  seated  preparing  tea.  An  inscription 
on  the  upper  side  of  the  cliff  dwells  on  the  Arhat’s  long  meditative  abstrac- 
tion and  contains  Buddhistic  “thoughts  on  the  glories  of  human  deeds  and 
those  of  nature  paling  into  insignificance  beside  the  silent  working  of  the 
eternal  law.” 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection. 

Date:  Probably  late  Ming  Fleight,  ioy2  inches  Width,  7x3  inches 


No.  404.  Blended  Gray  Jade  Bird  Ewer 

Kai  chiu  hu 

FASHIONED  in  the  flattened  form  of  an  ancient  wine  vessel  (chiu-ch'e- 
tsun),  intended  for  ritual  use;  being  cut  from  a block  of  grayish-white 
nephrite  marked  with  brownish-red  and  yellow  clouding  from  the  matrix. 
The  archaic  ewer,  with  carved  embellishment,  includes  elephant-head  and 
ring  handles  and  is  supported  on  the  back  of  a dove-like  phoenix  bird 
sculptured  in  the  round,  with  crested  head  and  extended  curving  plumage. 
The  cover,  en  suite,  fitting  the  curve  of  lip,  is  ornamented  with  a bird’s  head 
and  open  scroll-work  crowning. 

Date : Ming  dynasty  Height,  1 1 inches  with  cover  Width,  6x2  inches 

Plate  XL  VI 


[215: 


No.  405.  White  Jade  Dragon  Bowl 

IN  globular  shape  and  ornamented  with  five  young  dragons  that  appear 
carved  in  high  relief.  Fashioned  from  a mass  of  white  nephrite  (pai- 
yu)  showing  a translucent  quality  with  fine  polishing.  Three  of  the  lizard- 
like creatures  reach  the  inverted  rim  and  show  their  heads  freely  above  the 
aperture.  The  rounded  base  is  encircled  by  a bordering  of  swirling  waves. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3 inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


No.  406.  White  Jade  Duck  Ornament 

SCULPTURED  in  limpid  white  nephrite  (pai-yii),  the  waddling  bird  is 
represented  walking  with  its  head  turned  backward  and  holding  a 
flowering  chrysanthemum  twig  in  its  beak.  Other  herbage  and  clumps  of 
pierced  and  undercut  vegetation  appear  below  in  support  of  the  bird’s  body. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  6 inches  Length,  7 inches 

Plate  XLV1 


No.  407.  White  Jade  Bird  and  Fruit  Vase 

REPRESENTING  a phoenix  bird  with  a fruit-bearing  stem  in  its  beak, 
sculptured  in  white  nephrite  with  yellowish  marking.  Surrounded  by 
coalescent  branches  of  an  old  peach  tree,  including  rockery  and  fungus  forms 
rendered  in  free  relief,  with  openwork  carving  and  undercutting. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  6 % inches  Width,  7^  x 2%.  inches 

Plate  XLV1 


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Stas  CouPe 


No.  408.  Small  White  Jade  Dragon  Vase 

EVEN-COLOURED  white  nephrite  (pai-yu),  translucent  and  finely 
polished,  presenting  a bulbous  body  with  tubular  neck  encircled  by  a 
boldly  carved  dragon  that  has  just  risen  from  the  waves  in  pursuit  of  the 
effulgent  jewel. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  inches  Diameter,  2^  inches 


No.  409.  White  Indian  Jade  Cup 

Hsi-fan-tso  chan 

ELONGATED  multilobed  form  with  scalloped  rim.  Thinly  fashioned 
from  a block  of  limpid  white  nephrite-jade  of  flawless  quality  and  suet- 
like translucency.  The  delicate  carving,  under  perfect  polishing,  includes 
serrated  leaves  in  low  relief  at  opposite  ends,  with  dainty  projecting  open- 
work scrolls  serving  as  handles.  Underneath,  the  foot  is  carved  to  resemble 
a blossom  and  its  corolla,  showing  curved  undercut  petals.  Its  lobed  ex- 
terior bears  delicately  incised  inscriptions,  written  by  Emperor  Ch'ien  Lung 
to  indicate  the  virtue  of  this  particular  jade  cup,  when  used  for  spiced  or 
medicinal  wine. 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection. 

Date:  Early  XVIII  century  Height,  2%  inches  Width,  7 ^4  x 4%  inches 


C21 7] 


No.  410.  White  Indian  Jade  Cup 

Hsi-fan-tso  chan 

GRACEFUL  elongated  quadrilobed  shape  with  thinly  cut  sides,  pre- 
senting a limpid  white  nephrite  of  flawless  colour  and  suet-like 
translucency.  The  delicate  lapidary  work  and  carving  include  two  narrow 
serrated  leaves  which  rise  from  the  five-petalled  blossom  at  the  base  and 
terminate  in  recurved  open  forms  as  dainty  handles.  Finely  polished.  Has 
an  elaborately  carved  stand  with  fine  openwork  lotus  flowers. 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection. 

Date:  Early  XVIII  century  Height,  2 inches  Width,  5^x4  inches 


N0.411.  White  Jade  Twin  Vases 

Y u ying-hsiung 

IN  twin  cylindrical  forms  used  as  receptacles  for  precious  written  scrolls. 

Fashioned  from  a single  block  of  white  nephrite  (pai-yii),  following  the 
model  of  ancient  bronze  arrow  receptacles  given  as  rewards  for  militarv 
prowess  under  the  honorific  name  of  ying  hsiung,  or  “champion  vases.”  The 
coalesced  tubes  are  supported  on  the  obverse  side  by  two  grotesque  monsters ; 
one  is  intended  to  represent  an  eagle  (ying)  with  a ring  in  its  beak,  perched 
on  the  head  of  an  archaic  bear  (hsiung),  jointly  giving  the  above  applied 
name.  Its  reverse  side  sustains  an  elongated  vertical  handle,  and  the  twin 
covers,  en  suite,  are  connected  by  a horizontal  bar  with  knob. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  8*4  inches  Width,  3*4  x 2^4  inches 


[218] 


No.  412.  Clouded  Gray  Jade  Twin  Vases 

CYLINDRICAL  scroll  receptacles,  similar  to  the  preceding  example, 
copied  after  ancient  bronze  arrow  stands.  Sculptured  from  a block  of 
gray-toned  nephrite  blended  with  corrosive  yellowish  clouding.  The  twin 
tubes  are  ornately  ornamented  with  bands  of  hieratic  scroll  and  “grain”  pat- 
terns, brought  out  in  relief  above  the  archaic  bird  wings,  while  leaf  borders 
surround  the  base  behind  the  grotesque  sprawling  animal.  The  reverse  side 
bears  a vertical  handle  with  curved  ends,  and  the  twin  covers  sustain  a 
dragon  boldly  carved  with  undercutting. 

Date : Sung  dynasty  Height,  11^2  inches  Width,  4}^  x 3 inches 

Plate  XLVI 

A similar  twin-cylinder  vase  of  white  jade  is  exhibited  in  the  Salting  Collection,  Victoria  and 
Albert  Museum,  London. 


No.  413.  Sculptured  White  Jade  Stag 

IN  recumbent  form,  its  head  looking  up.  The  white  nephrite  paper- 
weight shows  grayish-brown  mottling  on  its  back  toward  the  haunches, 
and  is  of  translucent  quality  and  soft  polish. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  3 inches  Length,  5^2  x 3 inches 

Plate  XLVI 


No.  414.  White  Jade  Water  Coupe 

A PALE  white  nephrite  (pai-yii)  carving,  in  the  form  of  curling  cordate 
leaves  of  the  lotus,  with  stems  and  a small  bud,  supplemented  by  a 
frog.  The  larger  leaf  below,  resting  upon  its  own  stem,  forms  the  coupe. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  4%  inches  Length,  7 inches 

Plate  XLVI 


1:219] 


No. 415.  Jade  Animal  Group 

PRESENTING  a large  and  two  small  goats,  supplemented  with  fruit, 
flower,  and  fungus  emblems.  Sculptured  from  an  old  grayish-white 
nephrite  boulder  with  yellowish-red  clouding.  The  larger  animal  bears  a 
twig  of  mei  blossoms  in  its  mouth,  together  symbolizing  “the  revivifying 
power  of  spring.”  A pre-Ming  example. 

Date:  XIV  century  Height,  3^2  inches  Length,  4x2^  inches 

Plate  XLVI 


No.  416.  Yellow  Jade  Phoenix-bird  Vase 

\ RTISTICALLY  sculptured  in  the  form  of  a slender  quadrangular  vase 
\ with  bird-formed  handles  and  cover;  the  rare  yellow  nephrite  (huang- 
yu)  presenting  an  even  colour,  like  beeswax.  The  vase  itself  is  supported 
by  a pair  of  phoenix  birds  carved  in  high  relief  on  its  obverse  side,  together 
with  rockery  and  cloud  patches,  which  details  are  extended  to  the  reverse 
side.  The  oblong  cover,  en  suite,  is  surmounted  by  a seated  phoenix  bird 
carved  with  openwork  and  curling  feathers. 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  8 % inches  Width,  6x2^4  inches 

Plate  XLVI 


No.  417.  Jade  Lotus-leaf  Coupe 

TRANSLUCENT  light  greenish  citron-coloured  nephrite  with  grayish- 
tan  marking,  carved  in  shallow  form  of  an  elongated  lotus  leaf  with 
upturned  edges  and  ribbing,  the  base  including  bent  openwork  stems  with 
undercutting. 


Date  : Era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


Height,  2 inches 
[220] 


Length,  6x4  inches 


No.  418.  White  Jade  Dragon  Vase 

Yu  lung  p'ing 

GRACEFUL  pear  shape,  with  its  tubular  neck  encircled  by  a dragon, 
carved  in  the  round  with  undercutting,  appearing  above  cloud  patches 
from  which  the  creature  has  ascended.  The  translucent  white  nephrite 
(pai-yii),  with  fine  polishing,  presents  an  even  suet-like  colour  of  the  rare 
“mutton-fat”  variety. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  7^  inches  Diameter,  inches 


No.  419.  Two  Grayish  White  Jade  Boxes 

CARVED  in  the  natural  form  of  squatting  birds,  their  plump  little  bodies 
forming  the  ovate  bowls,  their  legs  in  low  relief  amid  the  breast 
feathers.  The  wings  and  tail  feathers  are  engraved  in  tangible  forms. 

Date:  Late  XVIII  century  Height,  2 inches  Length,  3^4  inches 


No.  420.  White  Jade  Taoist  Group 

REPRESENTING  Hsiao-she,  one  of  the  Taoist  immortals,  with  reed 
. (cheng)  instrument  resembling  a Pan-pipe.  The  Taoist  figure  is  sup- 
ported on  the  back  of  a phoenix  bird,  which  bears  him  to  heaven.  Sculptured 
in  white  nephrite  with  yellowish  staining  from  the  matrix. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  7%  inches  Length,  Gl/A  inches 


[221  ] * 


No.  421.  Light-green  Jade  Paper-weight 

Shu  chen 

CARVED  in  the  form  of  a recumbent  Chinese  buffalo-ox,  presenting  a 
blended  grayish-green  nephrite  of  translucent  quality,  enhanced  by 
soft  polishing  from  use  and  age. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  2%.  inches  Length,  ^l/2  inches 


No.  422.  White  Jade  Dove-shaped  Box 

THE  bird  is  represented  seated,  with  a sprig  of  green  in  its  beak;  the 
upper  half,  with  head  and  tail,  forming  the  cover.  Sculptured  in 
white  (pai-yii)  nephrite  of  translucent  even  colour  of  the  “mutton-fat” 
variety. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3 inches  Length,  5^  inches 


No.  423.  White  Jade  Paper-weight 

Shu  chen 

CARVED  to  represent  a crab  on  lotus  leaf.  Greenish-white  nephrite, 
slightly  stained  from  iron  inclusions,  with  undercut  stems  and  soft 
polish  showing  translucent  quality. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  1 ^4  inches  Width,  6x5  inches 


[222] 


GROUP  OF 

JADEITE  CABINET  OBJECTS 


_ 


No.  424.  Blended  Green  and  White  Jadeite  Twin  Vases 

Shuang  p'ing 

THE  blended  light  emerald-green  and  crystalline  white  fei-ts'ui  suggests 
the  tints  of  “melting  snow  intermingled  with  moss.”  Fashioned  in 
two  coalescent  quadrilateral  pylon-like  forms,  showing  young  lizard-like 
dragons  in  free  descending  and  ascending  forms,  serving  as  handles  at  either 
end.  The  vertical  obverse  panels  separately  present  bas-relief  bamboo  and 
chrysanthemum  trees,  together  with  a small  dog;  while  the  reverse  panels,  in 
like  low  relief,  show  flowering  iris  and  other  plants  with  butterflies.  Nar- 
row fret  borders  uniformly  finish  the  upper  and  lower  rims.  The  covers, 
en  suite  (in  one  piece),  sustain  carved  lizards. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  8 34  inches  with  cover  Width,  4X  1 inches 


No.  425.  Blended  Green  Jadeite  Wine  Pot 

Yu  chiu  hu 

FASHIONED  in  the  round  shape  of  a bamboo  section,  with  recurved 
handle  and  spout  in  cognate  forms.  Characteristic  fei-ts'ui  yii,  with 
brilliant  emerald-green  and  white  blending.  Carved  with  linear  ridges,  the 
body  includes  leafy  twigs  of  young  bamboo  shoots  that  spread  in  low  relief 
on  opposite  sides.  Has  a small  cover,  en  suite,  carved  with  an  openwork 
bamboo  twig. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  4 inches  Width,  5 inches  between 

handle  and  spout 


[225] 


No.  426.  Green  and  White  Jadeite  Coupe 

OF  pomegranate  fruit  form,  cut  from  a block  of  blended  green  and  white 
fei-ts'ui  yii;  its  carving,  with  attached  stem  and  undercut  foliage,  in- 
cluding the  representation  of  a small  frog.  Another  frog  appears  in  relief 
on  the  small  cover. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  1 inches  with  cover  Length,  4 inches 


No.  427.  Green  Jadeite  Incense  Box 

SHALLOW  circular  form,  carved  in  flat  relief;  its  cover  presenting 
ornate  hieratic  scrolls  with  the  lines  of  an  ogre  mask.  The  rare 
fei-ts'ui  yii  (jadeite)  shows  translucent  emerald-green  flecking  amid  the 
granular  grayish-white  structure;  a notable  example  of  the  variety  known 
as  “melting  snow  intermingled  with  moss.” 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  1 % inches  Diameter,  2 inches 


No.  428.  Jadeite  Ink  Well 

A LARGE  symbolic  peach  surrounded  by  foliage  the  free  stems  of  which, 
with  undercutting,  compose  its  base.  Carved  in  a rare  variety  of 
fei-ts'ui  yii  (jadeite)  with  an  interesting  blending  of  light  emerald-green 
and  translucent  grayish-white  tones.  The  embellishment  includes  a bat  and 
snail,  which  are  posed  around  the  hollowed  aperture.  The  rounded  cover, 
of  light  green  jadeite,  is  carved  with  twigs  and  bats. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  3 inches  Width,  5^4  x 53/2  inches 


[226] 


No.  429.  Green  Jadeite  Vase 

FLATTENED,  angular  form  with  ovate  contour  and  receding  neck, 
sustaining  two  looped  handles  with  pendent  rings.  Carved  from  a 
single  block  of  Imperial  fei-ts'ui  yii,  bringing  out  a rich  translucent  green 
colour  in  the  lapidary  polishing.  The  two  expanded  ovoid  sides  present 
tablet-like  panels  above  broad  bands  of  ling-chih  scrolls,  carved  with  fretted 
background.  Copied  from  ancient  bronzes.  Narrow  lei-wen  meanders 
finish  the  base  and  rim  of  neck,  which  motif  is  repeated  on  its  cover. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  10  inches  with  cover  Width,  5 x 1 ^4  inches 


No.  430.  Two  Green  Jadeite  Cups 

OF  unique  quadrangular  shape,  with  tubular  projecting  corners  and 
angular  handles.  Vertical  panels  opposite  the  handles  display 
grotesque  masks  and  rings  in  bas-relief,  while  the  obverse  and  reverse  sur- 
faces uniformly  sustain  delicately  outlined  young  bamboo  shoots.  The 
rounded  corners  display  shih-lung,  or  young  dragons,  and  the  covers,  en 
suite,  are  ornamented  with  bird-headed  corner  finials  and  floral  engraving. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  4^4  inches  Width,  2^4  inches  square 


No.  431.  Jadeite  Tripod  Incense  Urn 

SHALLOW,  rounded  form,  with  three  low  feet,  sustaining  two  flattened 
monster-head  handles  that  hold  loose  rings.  The  green  and  white 
blended  fei-ts'ui  yii  (jadeite)  presents  the  “melting  white  snow  and  green 
lichen”  colouring.  The  obverse  side  displays  a pair  of  dragons  combatant 
between  blossom  motifs.  The  shallow  round  cover  is  carved  with  irregular 
concentric  cloud  scrolls  and  bears  a coiled  dragon  knob. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3 inches  Width,  4^4  inches 


[227] 


No.432*  Blended  Lavender  Jadeite  Wine  Pot 

Yu  chiu  hu 

COMPRESSED  globular  shape  with  receding  shoulder,  the  side  sus- 
taining an  upturned  spout  and  recurved  handle.  Sculptured,  with  its 
cover,  from  a single  mass  of  rare  fei-ts'ui  yu,  of  light  translucent  pink  and 
lavender  tones  bjended  with  pistache  clouding.  The  body  is  carved  in  low 
relief,  displaying  lotus  trees  with  blossoms;  while  the  shoulder,  with  raised 
floral  details,  is  encircled  by  an  engraved  geometrical  band.  The  cognate 
cover,  ornamented  with  the  eight  Buddhist  emblems,  includes  a sculptured 
fuh-lion  knob. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  6^4  inches  Width,  io  inches  between 

handle  and  spout 


No.  433.  Jadeite  Brush  Jar  with  Handles 

Pi  fung 

PRESENTING  a variegated  grayish-white  and  emerald-green  jadeite 
(fei-ts'ui  yii)  of  translucent  quality,  its  variety  suggesting  the  native 
term  “bits  of  fresh  lichen  or  green  moss  mingled  with  melting  snow.” 
Fashioned  in  the  circular  form  of  a short  giant  bamboo  section  with  two 
upstanding  young  bamboo  stalks  serving  as  handles,  supported  on  either 
side  by  neatly  carved  leafage.  Underneath,  the  panel  is  slightly  sunken  and 
polished. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  4 inches  Width,  inches  between  handles 


C2283 


No.  434.  Light  Green  Jadeite  Tripod  Censer 

PATTERNED  after  a bronze  prototype,  with  three  feet  in  combined 
forms  of  fungus  clumps  and  bats.  The  bowl  sustains  two  ornately 
carved  fungiform  handles  with  loops  and  pendent  rings,  while  its  side  dis- 
plays a carved  band  of  angular  dragon-headed  motifs  in  low  relief.  The 
cognate  cover,  with  reciprocal  scalloped  bordering  and  bat  devices,  is 
crowned  by  a pierced  floral  ornament,  supplemented  by  three  fungus-clump 
loops  and  pendent  rings. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  y/2  inches  Width,  6 inches  between  handles 


No.  435.  Two  Green  and  White  Jadeite  Trays 

IN  shallow  foliated  forms,  with  engraved  circular  emblems,  centred  on 
outlined  bird  designs.  Carved  in  translucent  white  fei-ts'ui  (jadeite) 
with  emerald-green  markings,  representing  the  variety  poetically  termed 
“lichen  or  young  moss  entangled  with  melting  snow.”  Set  in  high  teak- 
wood  stands. 

Date : XVIII  century  Width,  5x6  inches 


No.  436.  Two  Tall  Jadeite  Vases 

FASHIONED  in  flattened  ovate  shapes,  with  ring  handles,  from  varie- 
gated white  and  green  fei-ts'ui  (jadeite)  of  translucent  quality  and 
crystalline  structure.  The  obverse  and  reverse  sides,  carved  in  low-relief 
panel  forms,  display  phoenix  birds  and  peony  motifs.  With  covers. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  f)l/2  inches  with  covers  Width,  4 inches 


[229;] 


No.  437.  Unique  Blue  Jadeite  Vase 

SCULPTURED  from  a block  of  rare  fei-ts'ui  of  old  turquoise-blue  tint 
with  black  speckling,  in  the  gnarly  form  of  an  old  hollowed  and 
tortuous  tree  stump,  surrounded  by  branches  with  the  three-fruit  motif  (san 
kuo),  represented  by  the  peach,  pomegranate,  and  “hand  of  Buddha” 
citron,  symbolizing  “sons,  years,  and  promotions”  (three  abundances).  The 
design,  with  openwork  and  deep  undercut  leafage,  includes  four  birds  and 
rockeries. 

From  the  collection  of  a native  minister  of  state. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  9 inches  Width,  5x3^  inches 

Plate  XLVII 


No. 438.  Two  Animal  Paper-weights 

uo 

RARE  jadeite,  representing  a Tibetan  hound  carved  in  recumbent  atti- 
. tude,  showing  a rich  translucent  green  fei-ts'ui  yu  with  black  marking, 
trending  to  a chloromelanite  colour. 

Date : Probably  Ming  Height,  \y2  inches  Length,  3%  inches 


(B) 

HAN  jade,  representing  another  recumbent  Tibetan  hound,  sculptured 
from  an  ancient  nephrite  pebble  of  greenish  white  colour,  with  red 
and  brown  iron  staining  showing  a soft  waxy  polish  from  use. 

Date:  Pre-Ming  Height,  1 £4  inches  Length,  3*4  inches 

The  preceding  two  examples  are  accompanied  by  an  elongated  double 
stand. 


[230] 


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No.  439.  Han  Jade  Paper-weight 

Han  yii  chen  chi 

PRESENTING  a couchant  hog,  sculptured  from  an  old  nephrite  pebble 
of  dark  brown  and  red  colour  (tzu-se  yii)  with  a soft  waxy  lustre 
acquired  from  handling  and  age. 

Date:  Pre-Sung  Height,  2 inches  Length,  4%  inches 


No.  440.  Grayish-white  Jade  Paper-weight 

Yii  chen  chi 

SCULPTURED  in  the  form  of  a recumbent  stag  with  head  raised  and 
holding  a curious  curled  stem  in  its  mouth.  The  carving,  with  smooth 
polish,  from  an  old  nephrite  pebble  shows  slight  corrosive  yellowish  staining 
from  its  matrix. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3 % inches  Length,  3^2  inches 


No.  441.  Sculptured  Malachite  Vase 

THE  rustic  form  of  a hollow  old  tree  trunk  is  presented,  expanding  up- 
ward to  its  curving  aperture,  with  several  gnarly  branches  cut  in  free 
relief;  the  carved  details  including  a pair  of  squirrels  among  the  fir  needles. 
This  interesting  mineral  example  includes  zones  of  deep  blue  lapis-lazuli. 

From  the  collection  of  a native  minister  of  state. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  np2  inches  Diameter,  6 inches  at  rim 

Plate  XLVII 


O31 1 


No.  442.  Turquoise  Stone  Mountain  Ornament 

Kung  chiao  shan 

IN  the  form  of  a cone-shaped  peak  with  ridges,  presented  bare  of  vegeta- 
tion. Cut  in  the  natural  gem-stone  matrix,  to  which  fragments  have 
been  added  to  heighten  its  fissured,  cliff-like  formation. 

From  the  collection  of  a native  minister  of  state. 

Date:  Probably  pre-Sung  Height,  7%  inches  Width,  8x2  inches 

Plate  XLV11 


No.  443.  Sculptured  Malachite  Vase 

Shih-lu  p'ing 

THE  natural  mineral,  with  varied  markings,  is  carved  in  the  rustic  form 
of  a hollow  old  tree  trunk  encircled  by  leafless  boughs,  vigorously 
rendered  in  free  relief  with  undercutting. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  9 inches  Diameter,  4^2  inches 

Plate  XLVIII 


[232] 


No.  444.  Two  Imperial  Nephrite  and  Lapis-lazuli  Lanterns 

TALL  flattened  gourd  shapes,  with  small  ornate  necks  and  low  parcel- 
gilt  bases,  enriched  with  champleve  embellishment.  The  obverse  sides 
uniformly  present  two  circular  panels  of  light  green  jade  delicately  pierced 
with  an  intricate  swastika  fret  pattern,  supplemented  by  the  two  auspicious 
red  lacquered  characters  (ta  chi),  meaning  “great  good  luck”  for  the  New 
Year.  The  reverse  sides  sustain  these  panels  in  lapis-lazuli,  with  the  same 
intricately  pierced  swastika  fret  pattern,  supplemented  by  the  red  characters 
ta  chi  for  “great  good  luck.”  The  narrow  rounded  end  segments  are  finished 
with  fanciful  gilt  filigree  openwork  and  support  the  parcel-gilt  fillet 
pendants  with  loops  that  serve  as  two  handles,  their  enamelled  embellish- 
ment representing  fei-ts'ui  or  kingfisher’s  feather  inlaying. 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  18  inches  Width,  11x4  inches 


No.  445.  White  Jade  Ram 

THE  animal  is  depicted  in  recumbent  form,  carved  in  white  nephrite 
with  slight  corrosive  red  flecking  from  weathering  when  in  boulder 
state,  enhanced  by  soft  waxy  lustre. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  3^  inches  Length,  4%  inches 


No.  446.  Han  Jade  Figure 

BLENDED  brown  and  grayish-white  nephrite  boulder  carved  to  repre- 
sent Kuan-yin,  the  Goddess  of  Mercy,  enveloped  in  a long  mantle  with 
engraved  honeycomb  pattern  brocading.  The  deity  is  accompanied  by  a boy 
attendant  who  carries  a ju-i  sceptre  with  pendent  triangular  emblem. 

Date:  Probably  pre-Ming  Height,  4%  inches  Width,  1%  inches 


033U 


No.  447.  Han  Jade  Animal  Group 

THE  carving,  of  grayish-white  nephrite  including  black  markings,  pre- 
sents a ram  surrounded  by  two  kids.  The  large  animal,  with  fungus 
twig,  bears  the  mystic  yin  yang  emblem  on  its  back. 

Date:  Probably  pre-Ming  Height,  3^2  inches  Length,  6 inches 


No.  448.  Han  Jade  Paper-weight 

SHALLOW  plantain  leaf  shape,  carved  with  open  stem  and  leafage  in 
blended  white  and  black  nephrite.  The  upper  side  shows  a crab  carved 
in  the  black  zone ; opposite  to  this  appears  a black  cicada  beetle.  The  carved 
reverse  side  with  veining  displays  yellowish  inclusions  or  staining  from  the 
matrix. 

Date:  Pre-Ming  Length,  4%  x 2 inches 


No.  449.  Han  Jade  Animal  Paper-weight 

THE  blended  grayish-drab  nephrite  carved  in  form  of  a recumbent  hog, 
showing  a soft  waxy  lustre  from  long  use. 

Date:  Probably  T'ang  dynasty  Height,  inches  Length,  3 inches 


No.  450.  White  Jade  Group 

TRANSLUCENT  white-toned  nephrite  (pai-yii),  of  even  tonality, 
paper-weight  carved  to  represent  the  figure  of  a sage  in  seated  atti- 
tude, accompanied  by  his  boy  attendant  and  a dog. 


Date:  XVII  century 


Height,  2 inches 

[234] 


Width,  3 x 1^4  inches 


No.  45  i.  Han  Jade  Animal  Paper-weight 

BLENDED  pale  grayish  green  and  tan-coloured  nephrite  boulder, 
carved  to  represent  a couchant  kio-toan,  or  one-horned  ch'i-lin,  with 
long,  drooping  ears  and  short,  curly  tail.  The  soft  waxy  polish  is  from  age 
and  handling. 

Date:  Probably  pre-Sung  Height,  4*4  inches  Length,  5 inches 

Plate  XLVIII 


No.  452.  Han  Jade  Animal  Paper-weight 

COUCHANT  deer-like  animal,  tien  luh  kirin,  with  fungus  stem  in  its 
jaws,  carved  from  a white  and  black  nephrite  boulder.  The  stone 
shows  a slight  grayish  tinge  of  calcination,  probably  due  to  a conflagration. 

Date:  Pre-Ming  Height,  2%  inches  Length,  4 *4  inches 

Plate  XLVIII 


[235] 


GROUP  OF 

SCULPTURED  DARK  GREEN  JADES 


No.  453-  Sculptured  Green  Jade  Water  Buffalo 

THE  Chinese  draught  ox  is  represented  in  natural  recumbent  form, 
carved  in  pale  olive-green  nephrite-jade  with  a soft  waxy  polish 
from  age. 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection. 

Date:  Early  Ming  Height,  6^2  inches  Length,  12 y2  inches 

Plate  XLVIIl 


No.  454.  Another  Green  Jade  Water  Buffalo 

OF  dark  spinach-green  coloured  nephrite-jade,  the  animal  is  depicted  in 
recumbent  form  with  soft  polish. 

From  the  Prince  Kung  Collection. 

Date:  Early  Ming  Height,  4^  inches  Length,  8y2  inches 

Plate  XLVIIl 


No.  455.  Dark  Green  Jade  Vase 

MOSS-GREEN  nephrite  (pi-yu),  fashioned  in  quasi  pilgrim  bottle 
shape,  with  two  small  curved  handles.  The  flattened  obverse  and 
reverse  sides  present  circular  panels  carved  in  relief,  with  coiled  dragons 
clasping  the  jewel  of  omnipotence  in  their  fore  claws.  These  panels  are 
surrounded  by  five  bats  (wu  fu)  devices  amid  cloud  patches.  The  narrow 
ends,  uniformly  with  the  neck  and  base,  display  bands  of  the  lei-wen  or 
angular  “thunder  scroll”  motif. 

Date:  XVII  century;  Height,  8%  inches  Width,  7^  x 1^  inches 

era  of  K'ang  Hsi 


C2393 


No.  456.  Dark  Green  Jade  Dragon-fish 

Y u lung  p'ing 

VIGOROUSLY  carved  in  moss-green  coloured  nephrite,  with  under- 
cutting, to  represent  a leaping  carp  in  its  effort  to  become  a dragon; 
the  transformation  being  indicated  by  its  horned  head  and  the  small  shih- 
lung  dragon  on  the  obverse  side.  The  fish  is  shown  in  erect  pose,  resting  on 
its  tail,  on  the  rocks  of  the  “dragon-gate”  rapids.  Its  open  mouth  is  deeply 
hollowed  out  to  hold  a scholar’s  pencil. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  9%  inches  Width,  43/2  x 2^2  inches 

Plate  XLVIII 


No.  457.  Tall  Dark  Green  Jade  Vase 

Pi  yu  p'ing 

OVOID  form,  with  attenuated  and  slightly  flaring  neck,  fashioned  from 
a block  of  moss-green  nephrite.  The  embellishment,  carved  in  salient 
relief,  comprehends  two  circular  medallions  with  the  shou  character  of 
longevity,  ornately  posed  between  conventionalized  bats.  The  shoulder  sus- 
tains a fanciful  scrolled  border  punctuated  by  four  Buddhistic  emblems, 
while  the  neck  displays  palm  leaves.  A scalloped  border  near  the  base  in- 
cludes four  other  Buddhist  (pa-chi-hsiang)  emblems,  completing  the  good 
augury  devices. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  iiJ4  inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


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No.  458.  Green  Jade  Imperial  Wine-dragon  Vase 

Y u lung  p'ing 

SCULPTURED  from  a block  of  moss-green  nephrite  (pi-yii),  in  the 
form  of  an  ancient  sacrificial  cup,  with  nine  small  dragons  carved  in 
bold  relief  on  its  sides.  The  base  is  supported  on  the  back  of  an  archaic 
dragon-fish  with  scrolling  appendages,  while  wave-like  motifs  finish  the 
surface,  presenting  a uniform  soft  old  polish.  The  interior  bears  an  inter- 
esting inscription  reading:  “Like  a dragon  that  penetrates  the  depths  of  both 
heaven  and  earth.  May  sons  and  grandsons  use  and  treasure  this  cup  for 
tens  of  thousands  of  years,  myriads  of  ages  never  ending.” 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection. 

Date:  Pre-Ming  Height,  6^4  inches  Width,  4%  inches 

Plate  XL1X 


No.  459.  Dark  Green  Jade  Ewer 

Kai  chiu  hu 

A RIBBED  body  is  presented  with  upturned  spout  and  fanciful  handle 
involving  a swastika  emblem  at  the  base.  Fashioned,  with  its  tall 
cover,  from  moss-green  coloured  nephrite.  The  obverse  and  reverse  sides, 
with  vertical  ribbing,  sustain  supplementary  ornamentation,  carved  in 
tangible  relief,  in  the  form  of  pomegranate,  plum,  and  chrysanthemum 
plants.  The  bell-shaped  cover,  with  simple  ribbing,  is  surmounted  by  a 
knob  of  acorn  shape. 

Date : XVII  century  Height,  9 inches  Width,  7 inches  between 

with  cover  handles  and  spout 


n240 


No.  460.  Dark  Green  Jade  Wine  Ewer 

OF  graceful  pyriform  contour,  with  attenuated  neck  and  a recurved 
handle,  delicately  carved  with  leafy  forms  from  a block  of  moss- 
coloured  nephrite.  Its  spout  is  similarly  ornamented  and  buttressed  by 
openwork  leafage,  while  the  body  uniformly  presents  lotus  flowers  and 
foliations  carved  in  relief  amid  vines  on  both  obverse  and  reverse  sides.  The 
cover,  en  suite,  sustains  delicate  incised  carving  together  with  an  ornate  knob. 

Date : XVII  century  Height,  10  inches  Width,  6 inches 


No.  461.  Set  of  Eight  Green  Jade  Wine  Cups 

INVERTED  bell-shape,  with  thinly  cut  sides,  the  moss-green  nephrite 
(pi-yu)  appearing  translucent  under  its  polish,  especially  when  the  cups 
are  held  against  a strong  light.  Probably  late  Ming. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  il/2  inches  Diameter,  2 inches 


No.  462.  Dark  Green  Jade  Sacrificial  Urn 

PATTERNED  after  an  ancient  hsiang  tsun,  or  sacrificial  bronze;  or- 
nately carved  from  a block  of  dark  moss-coloured  nephrite  ( pi-yii) , 
trending  to  a spinach-green  tint.  With  its  homogeneous  cover,  the  bowl 
rests  on  a low  expanding  base  and  supports  two  grotesque  winged  monster- 
heads  with  looped  handles  holding  pendent  rings.  The  thinly  cut  sides 
display  raised  vertical  dentillated  ridges  (aretes)  that  divide  fanciful  low- 
relief  dragon  scroll  carving.  The  domed  cover,  surmounted  by  a coiled 
openwork  dragon,  shows  similar  arete  ridges,  interposed  with  hieratic  scrolls 
carved  in  tangible  relief.  This  rare  example  rests  upon  elaborate  double 
stands  of  light  and  dark  woods,  carved  in  harmony  with  the  urn. 

Date : XVII  century  Height,  8 inches  Width,  1 1 inches 

with  cover  between  handles 


[242: 


Plate  XLIX 


No.  463.  Imperial  Dark  Green  Jade  Dragon  Bowl 

Y ii  lung  wan 

FASHIONED  in  the  rounded  shape  of  an  ancient  Buddhist  priest’s  alms- 
bowl,  from  a block  of  blended  spinach-green  coloured  nephrite.  Nine 
dragons  amid  cloud  forms  (to-yun)  are  presented  on  the  exterior,  deeply 
carved  with  undercutting  and  delicate  openwork,  which  extends  into  the 
inverted  rim.  The  soft  polish  shows  some  translucency.  This  Imperial 
example  is  accompanied  by  a gilt-bronze  stand. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  334  inches  Diameter,  7 34  inches 

Plate  XL1X 


No.  464.  Dark  Green  Tripod  Incense  Urn 

Y ii  hsiang  lu 

FASHIONED  in  low  globular  shape,  with  three  chimaera-featured  feet, 
the  body  supporting  grotesque  monster  handles  with  loops  that  hold 
pendent  rings;  carved  from  a solid  mass  of  dark  green  nephrite  (pi-yii), 
trending  to  a translucent  spinach  colour  under  the  lapidary  polish.  The 
exterior  sides  of  the  bowl  are  divided  by  six  vertical  vertebra-like  ridges 
(aretes),  between  which  appear  hieratic  scroll  motifs  in  tangible  relief. 
Similar  details  with  six  arete  ridges  and  scroll  motifs  are  introduced  on  the 
domed  cover,  together  with  a large  coiled  dragon,  which,  with  openwork, 
forms  a knob. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  7 inches  Width,  f)J/2  inches 

with  cover  between  handles 

Plate  XLIX 


[243] 


No.  465.  Dark  Green  Jade  Dragon  Bowl 

GLOBULAR  shape,  ornamented  with  five  young  dragons  that  appear 
carved  in  high  relief.  Fashioned  from  one  mass  of  moss-green  neph- 
rite (pi-yii),  with  soft-lustred  polish.  Three  of  the  lizard-like  creatures 
reach  the  inverted  rim  and  show  their  heads  freely  above  the  aperture.  The 
rounded  base  is  encircled  by  a border  of  swirling  waves. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3 inches  Diameter,  5 inches 

Plate  XLIX 


No.  466.  Dark  Green  Jade  Ewer 

FASHIONED  in  moss-green  nephrite  (pi-yii),  after  an  ancient  bronze, 
in  flattened  ovate  shape  with  protruding  lip  and  unique  angular  handle, 
delicately  carved  with  an  undercut  dragon  head.  The  body  and  neck  of 
vessel  sustain  broad  bands  engraved  in  concentric  and  vermiculated  scroll 
patterns,  with  thinly  cut  sides  and  soft-lustred  translucency. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  4^  inches  Width,  3x1  inches 

Plate  XLIX 


No.  467.  Dark  Green  Jade  Vase 

FLATTENED  ovoid  shape,  with  contracted  foot  and  neck,  supporting 
at  opposite  ends  two  slender  young  dragon  forms  that  serve  as  handles. 
Carved  in  blended  moss-green  nephrite  (pi-yii) , with  translucency  including 
veins  of  black.  The  two  sides  of  this  vase  display  circular  medallions  with 
archaic  dragon  scrolls,  centred  by  swastika  cross  emblems. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  4 inches  Width,  3x2  inches 

Plate  XLIX 


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No.  468.  Dark  Green  Jade  Sacrificial  Bowl 

10W  circular  form,  raised  on  four  small  rudimentary  feet  and  sustaining 
J two  floral  handles  carved  with  intricate  undercutting  and  piercing,  the 
nephrite  trending  to  a spinach-green  colour  with  translucent  gradations  in 
the  shading  under  the  fine  polish.  The  exterior  ornamentation  is  carved  in 
tangible  relief,  presenting  conventional  fern  and  palm-leaf  scrolls,  while  the 
interior  is  centred  by  flowering  plants. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  4 inches  Width,  12^4  inches  between  handles 


No.  469.  Dark  Green  Gourd-shaped  Bottle 

SLIGHTLY  ovate  in  sections,  and  with  round-apertured  neck;  the 
mottled  moss-green  nephrite  trending  to  a spinach-green  tint,  with 
carved  embellishment,  in  salient  relief,  comprehending  gourd  vines  which 
completely  cover  its  surfaces.  The  cover,  en  suite,  is  carved  with  an  open 
twig  of  leafage. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  8%  inches  Diameter,  4x3  inches 

Plate  XL1X 


No.  470.  Dark  Green  Jade  Brush  Jar 

CONVENTIONAL  cylindric  form  (pi-t'ung),  fashioned  from  a block 
of  moss-green  nephrite,  its  green  colour  trending  to  a spinach  tint. 
Deeply  carved  with  a panoramic  landscape  subject,  its  details,  in  raised  work 
and  undercutting,  including  pine  trees  and  the  figure  of  a sage  with  his 
attendant.  Among  the  hills  is  depicted  a summer  pavilion,  occupied  by 
checker  or  go  players;  near  them  appear  a bridge  and  a mountain  stream. 
Bears  a four-character  mark  on  the  interior  side. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  5%  inches  Diameter,  5^  inches 


[245] 


No.  47  i.  Dark  Green  Jade  Brush  Jar 

CYLINDRICAL  form  (pi-t'ung),  similar  to  the  preceding,  raised  on 
five  low  feet;  the  deeply  carved  and  delicately  pierced  details  present- 
ing a panoramic  landscape  subject  with  a summer  pavilion,  mountain  cas- 
cade, tall  fir  trees,  and  storks.  Bears  a four-character  mark  of  the  Ch'ien 
Lung  period. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  $l/2  inches  Diameter,  5%  inches 


No.  472.  Rare  Dark  Green  Jade  Libation  Cup 

Yu  chuo 

OF  ancient  rounded  form,  gracefully  fashioned  in  moss-green  nephrite 
with  black  speckling  and  thin  sides  supporting  two  shih-lung  dragon 
handles,  carved  in  the  round  and  showing  their  projecting  heads  over  the 
upper  rim. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  2 inches  Width,  4 inches  between  handles 


No.  473.  Pair  of  Green  Tibetan  Jade  Bowls 

THINLY  cut  in  Indian  style  (Hsi  fan  tso),  with  ribbed  sides  and  scal- 
loped edge,  following  the  petal  lines  of  a chrysanthemum  flower.  The 
dark  green  nephrite  (pi-yii)  of  translucent  quality  shows  black  flecking  akin 
to  the  less  known  and  rare  chloromelanite  variety.  Its  interior,  with  the 
thinly  ribbed  sides,  is  centred  by  a chrysanthemum  blossom. 

Date : XVII  century  Height,  2^  inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


046] 


No.  474.  Dark  Green  Jade  Incense  Urn 

CIRCULAR  bulbous  form,  cut  from  a single  mass  of  mottled  moss-green 
nephrite  and  softly  polished.  The  bowl  is  skirted  at  its  lip  by  a scal- 
loped gadroon  bordering,  connecting  with  two  fanciful  handles,  carved  in 
floral  design  and  sustaining  pendent  rings.  The  body  presents  a double  row 
of  radial  gadroon  fluting  with  a scalloped  base,  while  the  ornate  cover,  with 
similar  double  fluting,  includes  a fanciful  knob  with  openwork  carving  in 
bird  and  flower  design. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  4 inches  Width,  7^  inches 

with  cover  between  handles 


No.  475.  Green  Jade  Pendent  Ornament 

OF  translucent  moss-green  nephrite,  carved  in  the  form  of  a natural  lotus 
leaf,  with  upturned  edges  and  ribbing.  The  interior  supports  two 
small  fishes. 

Date  : XVII  century  Length,  3 x 234  inches 


No.  476.  Green  Serpentine  Ju-i  Sceptre 

CARVED  from  a block  of  translucent  green  serpentine  or  pseudo-jade, 
like  bowenite,  showing  elaborate  undercutting  and  openwork  with  fine 
polish.  Fashioned  in  traditional  form  to  resemble  the  sacred  ling-chih 
( Polyporus  lucidus ),  one  of  the  several  emblems  of  longevity  and  im- 
mortality; its  upper  end,  or  headpiece,  showing  the  fungus  form  with  a 
butterfly,  while  the  stem  sustains  intricate  branches  with  peaches  and  foliage 
in  openwork  and  undercutting.  Mounted  on  a pink  brocaded  silk  stand, 
with  yellow  tassels  and  cord. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Length,  1454  inches 


C247II 


GROUP  OF 

SCULPTURED  QUARTZ  OBJECTS 


No.  477.  Amethystine  Water  Coupe 

OF  violet-coloured  quartz,  with  transparent  grayish  shadings  sculptured 
in  coalescent  forms  of  a pomegranate  and  peach,  which  are  hollowed 
to  serve  as  ink  or  water  wells.  These  fruits,  of  natural  size,  are  artistically 
grouped  with  the  “hand  of  Buddha”  citron  and  foliage,  including  undercut 
and  openwork  carving,  presenting  the  symbolical  “fruits  of  abundance,” 
meaning  sons,  longevity,  and  promotion. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  3*4  inches  Length,  8x3  inches 

Plate  L 


No.  478.  Amethyst  Fish-dragon  Vase 


ANOTHER  favoured  form  for  a scholar’s  desk,  to  hold  writing  pencils. 
Ji\  Vigorously  carved  in  erect  pose,  the  leaping  fish,  resting  upon  its 
curled-up  tail,  is  supported  by  a small  crab.  The  horned  head  and  a small 
shih-lung  dragon,  depicted  on  obverse  side,  indicate  the  transformation  to 
dragonhood. 


Date : XVII  century 


Height,  4^4  inches 


Width,  5 x 1 y2  inches 
Plate  L 


No.  479.  Ornate  Amethyst  Vase 

OVATE  pilgrim-bottle  shape,  with  fungiform  handles,  presenting  a rich 
violet  body  surrounded  by  lighter  toned  flowering  lotus  plants  that 
appear  carved  in  bold  relief  with  seed  pods  and  undercut  open  rockeries. 
The  realistic  design  includes  an  egret  on  one  side  and  a pair  of  crested, 
waddling  ducks  on  reverse  side.  Its  oblong  cover  of  light  violet  colour 
presents  a lotus  flower  and  bird  carved  in  relief. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  9 inches  with  cover  Width,  9x3  inches 

Plate  L 


[251] 


No.  480.  Dark  Amethyst  Jar 


SYMBOLICAL  giant  peach,  surrounded  by  the  three  “fruits  of  abun- 


dance” (san  kuo),  comprehending  the  peach,  pomegranate,  and  finger- 
citron,  or  so-called  “hand  of  Buddha”  fruit.  The  carving  includes  two 
young  dragons  that  appear  on  the  purplish  zones  of  the  quartz,  while  two 
other  shih-lung  dragons,  with  cleft  tails,  are  introduced  on  the  lighter  violet 
zones,  together  with  foliage  and  stems ; all  in  free  relief  and  finely  polished. 
The  rounded  cover,  of  kindred  purplish  violet  quartz,  is  surmounted  by  a 
coiled  dragon. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  9 inches  Width,  10 x 8 inches 


CARVED  in  deep  violet  amethystine  quartz,  its  ovate  body  surrounded 
on  either  side  by  varied  symbolical  fruits,  rendered  in  lighter  violet 
zones  of  the  quartz,  comprehending  the  pomegranate,  finger  citron,  and 
polyporous  fungus  clumps.  A small  fungiform  coupe  is  introduced  at  the 
side,  also  cut  in  free  relief.  Its  ornate  cover  of  like  quartz  is  carved  with 
openwork  twig  and  bird.  All  brilliantly  polished. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  9 inches  Width,  9*4  x 3^4  inches 


No.  482.  Pink  Quartz  Phoenix  and  Dragon  Vase 

FASHIONED  in  flattened  ovate  form,  with  looped  elephant-tusk  han- 
dles supporting  pendent  rings.  Presenting  a dragon  in  free  relief  on 
the  obverse  side,  while  the  reverse  side  sustains  a phoenix  bird;  other  details 
include  rocks  and  peony  flowers.  The  oblong  cover,  of  like  pink  quartz,  is 
surmounted  by  a reclining  shih-lung  dragon. 

Date : Late  XVIII  century  Height,  10%  inches  Width,  554  X33/2  inches 


Plate  L 


No.  481.  Rare  Amethyst  Bottle-shaped  Vase 


Plate  L 


[252;] 


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No.  483.  Amethystine  Coupe 

OF  blended  purplish  violet  colour,  fashioned  in  the  form  of  a melon-like 
fruit,  surrounded  by  butterflies  and  foliage,  all  carved  in  relief.  Has 
a small  round  cover  en  suite. 

Date : XVII  century  Height,  3 inches  with  cover  Width,  4x3  inches 


No.  484.  Smoky  Quartz  Peach  Coupe 

IN  the  form  of  a large  peach  with  openwork  carving,  the  gnarly  twigs  of 
which  in  part  have  assumed  animal  shapes  like  foxes  and  bats.  The 
partly  clear  and  smoky  quartz,  with  undercut  leafage,  includes  curled  open- 
work stems  that  form  the  base.  The  cover  of  clear  quartz  is  carved  with  a 
bird  and  foliage. 

Date : Late  XVIII  century  Height,  4 y2  inches  Width,  5 x 4^2  inches 

Plate  LI 


No.  485.  Sculptured  Amethystine  Quartz  Group 

DEPICTING  the  buffalo-ox,  or  Chinese  draught  animal,  in  recumbent 
attitude  with  its  youthful  keeper.  The  smoky  crystal  zones  combine 
purplish  drab  amethystine  clouding  with  a soft-lustred  polish. 

From  the  Prince  Kung  Collection,  sold  in  Paris.1 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  5 inches  Length,  8^  inches 

XA  grandson  of  the  first  Prince  Kung,  who  was  a sixth  son  of  Emperor  Tao  Kuang  (a.d.  1821- 
1850). 


C253] 


No.  486.  Sculptured  Smoky  Crystal  Quartz  Cat 

THE  domestic  animal  is  represented  nearly  life  size,  resting  in  recumbent 
form.  Old  grayish-drab  mineral  quartz,  showing  dark  zones  in  parts, 
with  soft  polish. 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection,  sold  in  Paris. 

Date:  XIV  century;  pre-Ming  Height,  %]/2  inches  Length,  10  inches 


No.  487.  Rock  Crystal  Wine  Pot 

CUT  in  the  form  of  a seated  phoenix-like  bird,  the  neck  forming  the 
spout,  while  the  slender  looped  handle  is  supplemented  by  an  extended 
feather-like  carving.  Its  well-defined  wings  envelop  the  globular  body  on 
either  side,  and  the  feet  appear  sunken  in  the  body  below.  The  flawless 
crystal  quartz  is  presented  with  brilliant  lapidary  polishing. 


Date : Late  XVIII  century  Height,  4 inches 

with  cover 


Diameter,  3*4  inches  in  body 
Plate  LI 


No.  488.  Rock  Crystal  Fruit  and  Bird  Vase 

FLAWLESS  example  of  crystal  quartz  carved  to  represent  a bird  that  is 
perched  amid  pomegranate  and  “Buddha-hand  citron,”  surrounded  by 
stems  and  foliage.  The  symbolical  citron  fruit  (fo-sho),  deeply  hollowed, 
forms  a flower  or  scholar’s  pencil  receptacle.  Executed  with  undercut  open- 
work and  brilliant  polishing. 

Date:  Late  XVIII  century  Height,  6l/2  inches  Width,  5x2  inches 

Plate  LI 


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No.  489.  Ornate  Rock  Crystal  Vase 

With  cover 

FASHIONED  in  form  of  a gourd  that  is  encircled  by  relief  and  undercut 
branches  with  small  gourds  and  blossoms.  This  carving  in  flawless 
quartz  is  supplemented  by  a lizard-like  dragon  which  appears  amid  the 
openwork  foliage.  Its  rounded  cover,  en  suite,  is  carved  with  open  foliage, 
including  the  figure  of  a bat. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  8 inches  Diameter,  4 *4  inches 

Plate  LI 


No.  490.  Rock  Crystal  Dragon  and  Phoenix-bird  Vase 

TALL  flattened  ovoid  form,  with  two  looped  handles  and  pendent  rings. 

Carved  from  one  mass  of  flawless  crystal  quartz.  The  shapely  vase  is 
supported  on  opposite  sides  by  free  standing  and  boldly  carved  phoenix  birds 
that  appear  posed  upon  open  rockery  and  fungus  clumps,  beside  a small- 
apertured  cup.  The  obverse  body  of  the  vessel  itself  presents  a dragon  with 
its  young  in  bas-relief  carving,  while  the  reverse  displays  a third  dragon. 
The  cover,  en  suite,  is  surmounted  by  a young  phoenix  bird  with  under- 
cutting and  brilliant  polishing. 

Date : Late  XVIII  century  Height,  10  inches  Width,  7x3^4  inches 

Plate  LI 


No.  491.  Rock  Crystal  Dragon  Vase 

GRACEFUL  ovoid  shape,  with  everted  neck,  supporting  two  dragon 
handles  and  pendent  rings.  Fashioned  from  a single  block  of  crystal 
quartz.  The  body  presents  six  dragons  boldly  carved  in  the  round  and  in 
free  relief,  with  brilliant  polishing. 

Date:  Late  XVIII  century  Height,  8 inches  Width,  5x4  inches 


055] 


No.  492*  Rock  Crystal  Fish-dragon  Vase 

FINELY  cut  and  polished  in  flattened  ovate  form  of  jar  with  looped 
handles.  Of  clear  crystal  quartz  with  zones  of  aquamarine  colour,  the 
body  is  supported  on  one  side  by  a leaping  carp  and  waves  and  sustains  a 
shih-lung  dragon  boldly  carved  in  relief.  Its  cover,  en  suite,  is  surmounted 
by  a coiled  dragon  with  undercutting. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  4*4  inches  with  cover  Width,  4*4  x 2 inches 


No.  493.  Smoked  Crystal  Dragon  Vase 

PRESENTING  a high-shouldered  quadrilateral  form,  supported  by 
three  dragons  that  appear  in  free  relief  at  opposite  angles,  together 
with  polyporous  fungus  clumps.  Fashioned  from  a rare  purplish-gray 
blended  quartz  of  clear  texture,  brilliantly  polished.  The  obverse  body  of 
the  vase  itself  displays  a single  bat  device  carved  in  low  relief.  Its  quad- 
rangular cover,  en  suite,  is  surmounted  by  a fuh-lion  and  youth  with  triangle 
emblem. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  ny2  inches  with  cover  Width,  5x3  inches 


No.  494.  Sculptured  Rock  Crystal  Dragon  Vase 

OVOID  shape,  with  tiger-head  handles  and  free  rings,  of  clear  colour 
and  perfect  finish.  The  carving,  in  bold  relief,  presents  five  young 
shih-lung  dragons  that  appear  disposed  over  the  sides.  Its  rounded  cover, 
of  cognate  clear  crystal  quartz,  is  carved  with  a coiled  dragon  in  bold  relief. 

Date:  Early  XIX  century  Height,  10  inches  Width,  5x4  inches 


C256: 


No.  495.  Sculptured  Rock  Crystal  Group 

OF  clear  colour  and  brilliant  finish,  representing  a Chinese  sage,  with 
youthful  attendant,  seated  beside  a tripod  water  coupe. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  4 inches  Width,  sHx2lA  inches 


No.  496.  Amethystine  and  Crystal  Quartz  Group 

PARTLY  clear  crystal  with  zones  of  violet  colour,  fashioned  to  represent 
Lao-tzu,  the  bearded  old  philosopher  and  god  of  longevity,  seated 
beside  a t'ien-lu,  or  deer  of  heaven,  and  holding  a fungus-like  ju-i  sceptre. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  4J/2  inches  Width,  5 x 2T/2  inches 


No.  497.  Rock  Crystal  Ju-i  Sceptre 

TYPICAL  rustic  shape,  carved  entirely  from  a block  of  flawless  crystal 
quartz,  with  high  polish  and  elaborate  openwork  undercutting.  The 
traditional  form  is  fashioned  to  resemble  the  sacred  Chinese  ling-chih,  or 
Polyporus  lucidus  of  botanists  (one  of  the  several  emblems  of  longevity 
and  immortality),  the  upper  end,  or  broad  headpiece,  showing  tubercles  as 
in  the  natural  growths,  while  the  middle  section  of  the  wand  sustains  more 
intricate  sepee  fungus  clumps  with  tree  boughs  in  openwork  carving. 
Mounted  on  brocaded  red  silk  stand,  including  green  cord  and  red  tassels. 

Date:  XVIII  century;  era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Length,  15  inches 

Signifies  “as  you  desire”  or  “according  to  your  wishes”;  thus  the  ju-i  is  commonly  regarded 
in  China  as  an  emblem  of  good  fortune  and  frequently  used  among  the  higher  classes  or  mandarins 
for  presents  to  friends  (New  Year,  birthday,  or  wedding  gifts).  It  is  also  a sign  of  authority  and 
official  station.  In  old  Buddhist  paintings  the  ju-i  is  often  pictured  in  the  hands  of  canonized  priests 
or  deities.  Considered  to  be  of  Buddhist  origin  and  the  emblem  of  power  in  this  faith,  it  figures 
as  one  of  the  “seven  precious  things,”  or  Sapta  Ratna  (Sanskrit),  and  is  believed  to  have  originated 
as  a sceptre  in  India,  whence  it  reached  China  probably  before  the  fifth  century  a.d.,  but  its  real 
origin  and  history  remain  obscure. 


OS?] 


GROUP  OF 

ORIENTAL  AGATE  OBJECTS 


No.  498.  Carnelian  Agate  Vase  Group 

PRESENTIN G a central  vase  of  gourd  shape,  carved  in  the  opaque  white 
zone,  flanked  by  a hollowed  cup-like  magnolia  flower  on  one  side,  and 
on  the  other  by  a peach  tree  carved  in  the  red  zone.  The  openwork  includes 
fungus  clumps  and  rockery  that  jointly  form  a triangular  supporting  base. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  6 inches  Width,  4x4  inches 


No.  499.  Oriental  Agate  Coupe 

CARVED  in  the  form  of  a half  peach,  surrounded  by  openwork  leafy 
stems  and  scrolled  fungus  clumps  with  undercutting.  The  translucent 
grayish  mineral  shows  brown  striped  markings  with  perfect  polishing. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  2 % inches  Length,  6y2  x 4^/2  inches 


No.  500.  Oriental  Agate  Coupe 

IN  form  of  a half  peach,  fashioned  with  openwork  stem,  showing  a trans- 
lucent gray  tone  with  brown  ribbon-marking.  Its  handle  is  carved  to 
represent  a young  dragon,  or  mang,  with  one  horn,  highly  polished. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  2^  inches  Length,  5 %.  X4  inches 


O61  3 


No.  50i.  Red  and  White  Carnelian  Agate  Vase 

OVATE  pilgrim  bottle  shape  with  two  open  scrolled  handles,  enriched 
with  archaic  bird  heads.  Its  obverse  side,  with  bas-relief  carving,  pre- 
sents a duck  perched  on  rocks  amid  fungus  (ling-chih)  clumps,  together 
with  a bat  introduced  as  an  emblem  of  good  omen.  The  reverse  side  sustains 
a white  body  with  lotus  flowers,  carved  in  the  red  zones. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  5 inches  Diameter,  4x3^  inches 


No.  502.  Red  and  White  Carnelian  Agate  Coupe 

SHORT  tree-stump  form,  hollowed  out  to  serve  as  a water  receptacle  for 
the  scholar’s  desk.  Carved  in  the  white  zone  of  the  agate,  marked  by 
a red  rim;  while  the  gnarly  sides,  with  undercut  boughs,  sustain  numerous 
bats  amid  red  peaches  and  grape-vines.  All  is  finely  polished. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3 inches  Diameter,  5x4  inches 


No.  503.  Oriental  Agate  Libation  Cup 

ROUND  form  with  handles  carved  to  imitate  young  bamboo  shoots, 

. presenting  a translucent,  finely  polished  grayish  tone  with  brown 
chalcedony  marking. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3%  inches  Width,  5 inches  between  handles 


[>62:] 


No.  504.  Rare  Red  Agate  Vase 

SCULPTURED  in  the  tortuous  form  of  an  old  hollow  tree  stump,  sur- 
rounded by  peach-bearing  branches.  Of  translucent  light  colour, 
carved  in  the  round  with  openwork  and  undercutting,  showing  red  fruit  cut 
from  a layer  of  rich  red  sard  agate.  A squirrel  is  introduced  on  the  obverse 
side,  together  with  polyporous  fungus ; while  a stork,  also  carved  in  the  red 
zone,  appears  standing  in  bold  relief  against  the  light  yellowish  tree  trunk. 
All  is  brilliantly  polished. 

Date:  Early  XVIII  century  Height,  r]1/2  inches  Diameter,  5x4  inches 


No.  505.  Oriental  Agate  Lotus  Coupe 

FASHIONED  in  semicircular  form,  surrounded  by  lotus  stems  and  seed 
pods,  which  are  carved  in  bold  relief  with  undercutting  and  fine  polish- 
ing; piesenting  translucent  gray  chalcedony  agate  with  brownish  marking. 
Its  under  side  is  carved  with  stems  that  form  the  base. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  2 inches  Diameter,  \y2  inches 


No.  506.  Chalcedony  Libation  Coupe 

ORNATE  hexagonal  form,  with  vertical  ribbing,  supporting  two  slender 
looped  fungus  handles.  The  cup  itself  is  cut  with  thin  sides,  showing 
a translucent  grayish  sard  colour  with  brown  markings  under  the  polish. 

Date:  Late  XVIII  century  Height,  2%  inches  Diameter,  3%  inches 


[263] 


No.  507.  Gray  and  Blue  Chalcedony  Vase 

ITS  translucent  pale  blue  body  presents  a flattened  high-shouldered  ovoid 
form,  carved  with  a narrow  band  of  the  propitious  cloud  scrolls.  The 
narrow  ends  support  lateral  gray-hued  bamboo  segments,  carved  in  the 
round,  that  serve  as  handles.  The  cognate  grayish  cover  displays  a carved 
floral  bud. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  5 inches  Width,  3x1  inches 


No.  508.  Carnelian  Agate  Peach  Coupe 

FASHIONED  in  the  shallow  symbolic  form  of  a half  peach,  with  its  stem 
and  foliage  carved  in  free  relief.  The  interior,  with  diagonal  “ribbon” 
marking,  shows  opaque  white  and  red  tints. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  3^4  inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  509.  Carnelian  Agate  Brush  Vase 

CARVED  in  rustic  form  of  a hollow  tree  stump,  whose  gnarled  branches 
bear  red  peaches,  while  its  trunk  is  white.  The  design  includes  a small 
lizard-like  dragon  and  polyporous  fungus  clumps,  together  with  five  bats 
around  the  sides,  introduced  as  wu  fu  emblems  of  so  many  blessings.  This 
example  rests  on  a carved  green  ivory  stand. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  5*4  inches  Diameter,  5x4  inches 


[264] 


No.  510.  Translucent  Red  Amber  Vase 

Hu-pih  p'ing 

IN  flattened  ovoidal  section,  with  homogeneous  stand,  fashioned  in  deep 
red  (hu-pih)  amber,  its  narrow  sides  sustaining  lateral  handles  in  the 
form  of  ascending  young  dragons  whose  heads  extend  to  the  upper  rim  of 
the  neck,  while  their  clawed  legs  embrace  the  body  of  the  vase.  The  carved 
embellishment  consists  of  various  transverse  borders  in  low  relief,  compre- 
hending leaf  and  gadroon  patterns,  which  flank  a band  of  hieratic  scrolls. 
Its  cover,  en  suite,  is  surmounted  by  an  openwork  dragon. 

Date:  Era  of  Tao  Kuang  Height,  Sy>  inches  Width,  4x1^  inches 

with  cover 


No.  511.  Rare  Translucent  Red  Amber  Vase 

FLATTENED  oviform,  with  attenuated  neck  supporting  elephant-tusk 
handles  and  pendent  rings.  The  bas-relief  embellishment  on  the  ob- 
verse and  reverse  sides  displays  ogre  masks  amid  fanciful  hieratic  scrolls, 
while  the  neck  sustains  descending  plantain  leaves.  Its  bell-shaped  cover 
(en  suite)  bears  ornate  bands  of  angular  lei-wen  and  scrolls. 

Date:  Era  of  Tao  Kuang  Height,  9 inches  Width,  3^2  x 1 inches 

with  cover 


No.  512.  Red  Agate  Figure 

REPRESENTING  an  ancient  poet  with  gourd  bottle.  The  colour  is 
. curious  amber  red. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  2^4  inches 


[265] 


ANTIQUE  CLOISONNE  ENAMELS 


ANTIQUE  CLOISONNE 
ENAMELS 


HE  art  of  enamelling  seems  to  have  been  invented  at  a very  remote 


date  in  western  Asia,  and  to  have  penetrated  to  Europe  during  the 


early  centuries  of  the  Christian  era.  There  is  no  evidence,  however, 
of  its  having  travelled  eastward  to  China  until  a much  later  date.  The  Chi- 
nese themselves  do  not  make  any  claims  for  the  invention  of  this  applied  art, 
ascribing  to  the  Arabs,  as  intermediaries,  its  introduction  into  their  country. 

The  manner  in  which  this  early  Byzantine  art  was  borrowed  by  China  is 
well  described  by  the  late  Dr.  Bushell  in  his  handbook  on  “Chinese  Art,” 
which  he  prepared  for  the  South  Kensington  Museum,1  and  from  which 
the  following  extracts  are  taken : 

“Byzantium  was,  it  is  well  known,  the  great  seat  of  the  industry  of  enamel- 
ling in  the  middle  ages,  and  important  relics  of  their  work  in  champleve,  as 
well  as  in  cloisonne  enamels,  are  still  extant.  The  work  there  is  said  to  date 
back  at  least  to  the  time  of  Justinian.  . . . The  art  was  practised  in  Con- 
stantinople until  the  fourteenth  century,  but  in  the  meantime  events  occurred 
there  which  led  to  the  dispersal  of  the  enamellers  to  all  parts  of  the  world, 
east  as  well  as  west.  It  was  at  this  time,  doubtless,  that  it  reached  the  northern 
borders  of  China,  probably  through  Armenia  and  Persia.  The  thirteenth 
century  was  the  period  when  the  conquest  of  nearly  the  whole  of  Asia  and 
part  of  eastern  Europe  by  the  Mongols  opened  up  a way  for  the  introduction 
of  new  industrial  arts,  and  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  art  of  enamel- 
ling was  first  practised  in  China  about  this  time.  . . . 

“The  art  of  enamelling  was  brought  independently  to  the  south  of  China 
by  the  Arabs,  a century  or  more  later,  when  we  first  hear  of  the  Ta  Shih  yao, 
or  Arabian  enamelled  ware,  and  are  told  that  it  resembled  the  Fo-lang 
Ch'ien,  the  ‘Byzantine  incrusted  work.’  This  record  proves  that  the 
cloisonne  enamels  of  Constantinople  were  already  known  in  the  fourteenth 
century  to  the  Chinese,  and  available  for  comparison  with  the  enamels 
brought  to  China  at  the  time  by  the  Arab  ships.  The  Chinese  thus  learned 
the  cloisonne  art  from  a succession  of  workmen  travelling  across  the  whole 
of  Asia  and  setting  up  workshops  in  the  great  towns  they  visited,  just  as  did, 

1 “Chinese  Art,”  by  Stephen  W.  Bushell,  M.D.,  C.M.G.,  B.Sc.  Two  volumes.  London,  1910. 
(Series  of  the  Board  of  Education,  Victoria  and  Albert  Museum.) 


[269] 


under  nearly  the  same  conditions,  the  small  colonies  of  Syrian  craftsmen  who 
overran  France  during  the  Merovingian  epoch,  and  introduced  there  in  the 
same  way  various  Byzantine  methods  of  work.  The  careful  study  of  the 
most  ancient  Chinese  cloisonnes  reveals  intrinsic  proofs  of  their  western 
origin.  . . . 

“The  enamel  work  of  the  Ming  dynasty  ( 1 368-1643 ) , speaking  generally, 
is  characterized  by  a boldness  of  design  and  breadth  of  treatment  which 
have  never  been  surpassed,  combined  with  a striking  depth  and  purity  of 
colouring.  There  are  two  well  contrasted  shades  of  blue:  a dark  blue  of 
lapis-lazuli  tone  without  the  dulness  of  washing  blue,  and  a pale  sky-blue 
with  the  slightest  tinge  of  green.  The  red  is  of  dark  coral  tint  rather  than 
brick-dust,  the  yellow  full-bodied  and  pure.  Greens  are  derived  from  cop- 
per and  sparingly  used;  rouges  d’or  are  entirely  absent  from  their  scheme 
of  decoration.  Black  and  white  give  the  worst  results:  the  former  fails  in 
depth  and  lustre,  the  latter  is  generally  clouded  and  muddy.  The  general 
effect  of  the  decoration  is  wonderfully  successful,  but  at  the  same  time  a 
more  minute  examination  will  reveal  minor  flaws  due  to  imperfect  technique, 
a certain  want  of  polish  in  the  surface,  and  a tendency  to  become  pitted  with 
minute  holes  in  the  enamels.  The  last  defect,  so  frequent  in  early  enamels, 
was  remedied  later  by  repeated  fusion  in  successive  firings,  at  the  risk  always 
of  some  deterioration  in  the  original  brilliancy  of  the  colouring. 

“Under  the  Ch'ing  dynasty  the  reigns  of  K'ang  Hsi,  Yung  Ch'eng,  and 
Ch'ien  Lung  are  distinguished  for  the  excellence  of  their  enamels.  Works 
of  the  K'ang-hsi  era  (1662-1722),  while  improving  in  technical  finish,  re- 
tain something  of  the  boldness  of  design  and  robust  colouring  of  the  Ming 
dynasty.  The  style  is  simple  and  broad,  the  colouring  pure  and  rich,  the 
execution  strong  and  original.  Fine  specimens  are  to  be  seen  in  many  of 
the  Buddhist  temples  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Peking,  which  were  founded 
under  the  patronage  of  the  emperor  during  his  long  reign,  as  it  was  his  usual 
practice  to  have  the  sets  of  incense  vessels  required  for  the  shrines  made  of 
cloisonne  enamels  at  the  palace  works  for  presentation  to  the  temple  at  its 
inauguration.  . . . The  enamel  work  of  Yung  Ch'eng  (1723-1735)  does 
not  differ  materially  from  that  of  his  predecessor.  . . . 

“Cloisonne  enamels  of  the  Ch'ien  Lung  period  (1736-1795)  manifest  a 
certain  improvement  in  technical  finish  in  every  detail.  The  models  are 
well  chosen  and  the  scheme  of  decoration  is  generally  worthy  of  the  form. 
There  is  no  pitting  of  the  surface;  the  colours,  if  not  so  vivid  and  lustrous  as 
of  old,  are  harmoniously  combined,  and  the  bronze  accessories  often  mounted 
on  the  pieces  are  heavily  and  richly  gilded.” 

[2703 


No.  513.  Cloisonne  Sacrificial  Wine  Vessel 

ELONGATED  form,  copied  from  an  ancient  bronze,  presenting  a 
composite  mythological  animal  like  the  “sacred  ox,”  propitiated  from 
very  remote  times  as  the  “queller  of  dragons  and  river  monsters.”  The  gro- 
tesque vessel,  made  in  two  sections,  is  raised  on  a low  projecting  base,  and 
the  cloisonne  embellishment  amid  simple  bronze  scrolls  is  composed  with 
hieratic  and  archaic  bird-headed  motifs,  picked  out  in  varied  tones  of  blue, 
green,  and  pink  on  a brilliant  turquoise-blue  ground.  Either  end  shows 
vertical  dentated  ridges  of  bronze,  which  are  repeated  on  the  cover,  together 
with  well  defined  teeth  and  two  short  horns  at  the  head. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  11  inches  Length,  12  inches 

Plate  LII 


No.  514.  Another  Cloisonne  Sacrificial  Wine  Vessel 

OF  composite  animal  form : pendant  to  the  preceding  example,  with  sim- 
ilar details  and  colouring. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  11  inches  Length,  12  inches 


No.  515.  Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 

BULBOUS  gourd  shape,  the  cloisonne  embellishment  presenting  a soft 
* turquoise-blue  ground  with  large  yellow,  pink,  and  white  mu-tan  peony 
flowers  naturally  and  freely  posed  amid  green  leafy  scrolls.  The  neck,  en- 
circled by  a parcel-gilt  ring-band,  displays  deep  descending  lapis-blue  scal- 
loped forms  filled  in  with  ornate  lotus-flower  motifs,  executed  in  light 
enamel  colours.  Below,  the  base  sustains  blue  rock  devices. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  12^4  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 

Plate  LII 


[271  ] 


No.  516.  Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 

BULBOUS  gourd  shape,  similar  to  the  preceding,  with  two  curved  gilt 
bronze  ju-i  sceptre  handles.  The  cloisonne  embellishment  includes 
large  yellow,  pink,  and  white  mu-tan  peony  flowers  posed  amid  green  leafy 
scrolls  against  a pale  turquoise-blue  ground.  The  neck,  with  a plain  parcel- 
gilt  ring-band,  is  also  encircled  by  a deep  descending  scalloped  border,  filled 
in  with  small  lotus-flower  details  on  lapis-blue  ground. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  12 Y\  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 

Plate  LII 

The  pendant  to  this  exists  in  the  Museum  of  the  Brooklyn  Institute  of  Arts  and  Sciences, 
among  the  interesting  collection  of  cloisonne  enamels  lately  presented  by  S.  P.  Avery,  Esq.,  a trustee. 


No.  517.  Ming  Cloisonne  Enamel  Brazier 

T'ung  chiang 

IOW  cylindrical  shape,  with  cover  and  a wide  projecting  scalloped  ledge. 

The  container,  with  middle  section,  is  raised  on  three  cloisonne  feet  in 
form  of  elephant  heads.  The  enamelled  decoration  on  lower  section  shows 
“sea-horses,”  pointed  rocks,  and  wave  motifs,  picked  out  in  varied  enamels 
on  turquoise-blue  ground;  while  the  broad  upper  scalloped  border  of  rim 
presents  blue  shih-lung  dragons  and  red  shou  characters.  A parcel-gilt 
cylinder  section  shows  carved  openwork  in  form  of  dragon  and  phoenix 
designs,  together  with  cloisonne  enamel  bordering.  These  forms  are  re- 
peated on  the  cover,  with  pierced  circular  emblems,  surmounted  by  a large 
gilt  knob  composed  of  openwork  cloud  patches. 

Date : XVI  century  Height,  21  inches  Diameter,  20  inches 


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No.  518.  Pair  of  Cloisonne  Monster  Urn  Incense  Burners 

FASHIONED  in  the  composite  form  of  a fabulous  quadruped  animal 
with  a grotesque  one-horned  ch'i-lin  head  of  parcel-gilt  bronze,  hinged 
to  serve  as  a movable  cover  for  the  shou-lu,  or  “monster  urn.”  The  body, 
with  multicoloured  cloisonne  floral  designs  on  turquoise-blue  ground,  in- 
cludes gold  flame-like  appendages  and  claw  feet.  The  oblong  pedestals  in 
parcel-gilt  bronze  are  enriched  with  champleve  enamelling,  including  blue 
gadroons  and  square  diaper  pattern  bases,  to  which  the  animals  are  fixed. 
Bear  engraved  seal  marks. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  1 7 inches  Width,  10x8  inches  at  base 


No.  519.  Ming  Cloisonne  Monster  Urn  Incense  Burner 

FASHIONED  in  the  composite  form  of  a fabulous  quadruped  animal, 
similar  to  the  preceding,  with  fierce  look  and  one-horned  ch'i-lin  head, 
hinged  to  serve  as  a movable  cover.  The  cloisonne  decoration  in  polychrome 
colours  shows  concentric  scrolls  on  turquoise-blue  ground,  together  with 
champleve  flame-like  appendages,  symbolizing  the  divine  attributes.  The 
interior  bears  an  engraved  six-character  Wan  Li  mark. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  16  inches  Length,  10  inches 


No.  520.  Cloisonne  Plant  Jar 

GLOBULAR  form,  with  bronze  dragon  handles  at  its  rim,  the  cloisonne 
embellishment  on  a light  turquoise-blue  ground  showing  fish  and 
cranes  posed  among  lotus  flowers,  picked  out  in  the  ornate  colours  of  the 
Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty.  The  upper  and  lower  base  rims  are  bordered  in  red  and 
blue  with  fanciful  flowers  and  gadroon  patterns. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  9 inches  Diameter,  1^/2  inches 


l 2 73  3 


No.  521.  Ming  Cloisonne  Plant  Jar 

Fa-lang  p ing 

IOW  globular  form,  raised  on  three  bronze  legs  and  sustaining  two  gro- 
tesque  unicorn  mask  handles  with  rings.  The  cloisonne  embellishment 
shows  conventionalized  lotus  flowers  amid  leafy  scrolls,  picked  out  in  varied 
colours  on  turquoise-blue  ground,  the  upper  and  lower  rims  being  bordered 
with  floriation  on  green  ground. 

Date : XVI  century  Height,  1 1 inches  Diameter,  14  inches 


No.  522.  Large  Ming  Cloisonne  Vase 

Fa-lang  p'ing 

BULBOUS  pear  shape,  with  everted  neck  and  low  spreading  base,  the 
1 shoulder  sustaining  two  relief  masks  with  crescent  handles.  Fashioned 
after  Han  pottery  prototypes,  the  cloisonne  embellishment  showing  archaic 
ogre  masks  (t'ao-t'ieh  yen)  executed  in  varied  colours  on  a typical  turquoise- 
blue  ground,  together  with  flanking  narrow  floriated  borders.  The  neck  is 
encircled  by  a band  with  grotesque  winged  animal  motifs,  supplemented  by 
a bordering  of  reciprocal  green  and  blue  leaves.  A broad,  light  flowered 
band  above  its  base  involves  the  eight  Buddhistic  emblems  of  good  augury, 
while  grotesque  animals  amid  floral  and  rock  devices  are  introduced  on  the 
lower  spreading  base. 

Date : XVI  century  Height,  2iy2  inches  Diameter,  14^2  inches 

Plate  LIII 


[274] 


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No.  523.  Large  Ming  Cloisonne  Vase 

BULBOUS  pear  shape,  with  everted  neck  and  low  spreading  base,  the 
shoulder  sustaining  two  bronze  animal-head  handles  with  loose  rings. 
Fashioned  after  a Han  prototype,  the  cloisonne  decoration  presents  a deep 
turquoise-blue  ground,  relieved  on  either  side  by  a pair  of  rampant  dragons 
that  have  emerged  from  the  sea  in  pursuit  of  the  “flaming  jewel  of  omnipo- 
tence.” Executed  in  varied  colours.  The  details  include  pointed  rocks 
amid  the  white  waves  which  encircle  the  base,  while  the  low  spreading  foot 
shows  hai-ma,  or  “sea-horses.”  The  neck,  with  two  wide  bands,  displays 
lotus  and  grape-vine  motifs,  separated  by  narrow  blue  floriated  stripes. 

Date : XVI  century ; Height,  21^  inches  Diameter,  14^2  inches 

probably  Wan  Li 

Plate  LUl 


No.  524.  Pair  of  Tall  Cloisonne  Vases 

GLOBULAR  bottle  shapes,  with  tubular  necks,  the  cloisonne  decoration, 
with  Indian-red  ground,  involving  a geometrically  wired  swastika  fret 
pattern  against  which  appear  large  flowering  lotus  plants  and  birds,  picked 
out  in  varied  enamel  colours  after  nature.  The  bases  are  encircled  by  a 
white  wave  motif  to  represent  a lotus  pond  with  swimming  ducks. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  23  inches  Diameter,  16  inches 


No.  525.  Ming  Cloisonne  Enamel  Tripod 

FLARING  mortar  shape,  with  parcel-gilt  dragon  handles,  raised  on  three 
elephant-head  feet  of  bronze.  The  cloisonne  details  show  a turquoise- 
blue  ground  filled  with  conventionalized  lotus  flowers  in  varied  light  col- 
ours. Bears  incuse  Ming  seal  mark. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ing  Tai  Height,  7 inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


[275-3 


No.  526.  Set  of  Three  Ming  Cloisonne  Vases 

TALL  quadrilateral  beaker  shapes,  with  flaring  necks  uniformly  sustain- 
ing four  parcel-gilt  vertical  dentated  ridges.  The  cloisonne  embellish- 
ment with  light  turquoise-blue  ground  presents  conventional  lotus  flowers 
in  varied  Ming  colours  amid  leafy  green  scrolls,  while  the  shoulders  display 
fanciful  lapis-blue  scalloped  Vandyck  borders.  Ascending  leaf  forms  sur- 
round the  everted  necks,  filled  with  ornate  flowered  details.  The  expanded 
low  cloisonne  bases  rest  on  square  black  marble  plinths. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  21  inches  Diameter,  11  inches 


No.  527.  Ming  Cloisonne  Temple  Figure 

Fa-lang  hsien 

REPRESENTING  an  austere  Buddhist  deity  (possibly  the  youthful 
. ascetic  Gautama)  with  short  curly  hair,  gilt-bronze  face,  and  long  ear 
lobes,  whose  loose  garment  appears  agitated  by  the  wind.  He  holds  a gilt 
ring  aloft  with  his  left  hand,  while  his  right  is  held  down  at  the  waist.  The 
cloisonne  embellishment  on  his  tunic  depicts  conventional  lotus  flowers  on 
turquoise-blue  ground.  The  figure  stands  on  an  oblong  gilt-bronze  pedestal 
together  with  a small  fuh-dog. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  16  inches  Stand,  6^4  inches 


[276:1 


No.  528.  Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 

With  gilt  fillet  handles 

BOTTLE  shape,  its  quasi  oviform  body  and  slender  neck  sustaining  three 
parcel-gilt  handles  in  flattened  form  of  shagreen  fillet  scrolls.  The 
cloisonne  decoration,  on  light  turquoise-blue  ground,  sustains  eight  fuh-dogs 
disporting  with  brocaded  balls  (chu)  amid  varied  Buddhist  emblems.  The 
shoulder  is  encircled  by  narrow  blue  lanceolations,  while  the  neck  displays 
a diapered  ground,  relieved  by  blue  and  ornate  green  leaf  forms. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  14%  inches  Diameter,  6y2  inches 


No.  529.  Ming  Cloisonne  Pilgrim  Bottle 

IN  flattened  ovate  section,  with  tubular  neck  and  two  enamelled  handles; 

the  cloisonne  decoration,  on  turquoise-blue  ground,  presenting  conven- 
tional lotus  flowers  in  typical  Ming  colours,  centred  by  rampant  shih-lung 
dragons. 

Date : Ming  dynasty  Height,  12 54  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  530.  Ming  Cloisonne  Pilgrim  Bottle 

IN  flattened  ovate  section,  with  recurved  bronze  handles  and  small  bulbous 
neck;  decorated  throughout  in  cloisonne  enamels  with  lotus  flowers  in 
red,  white,  blue,  and  yellow,  amid  leafy  stems  on  a turquoise-blue  ground, 
centred  by  large  floral  motifs. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  11  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


[277] 


No.  53  i.  Ming  Cloisonne  Altar  Cup  with  Stem 

Fa-lang  Pa-pei 

BROAD  tazza  shape,  with  shallow  bowl  and  expanding  stem;  the  ex- 
terior cloisonne  embellishment  with  turquoise-blue  ground  involving 
lotus  flowers  and  leafy  scrolls,  together  with  dark  blue  and  red  rim  bands. 
The  interior,  with  similar  turquoise-blue  body  colour,  includes  a circular 
parcel-gilt  shou  emblem  of  longevity,  surrounded  by  five  small  lotus  flowers 
amid  leafy  scrolls  and  a rim  bordering. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  ^l/2  inches  Diameter,  5^4  inches 


No.  532.  Ming  Cloisonne  Hand-warmer 

T'ung  chiang 

OBLONG  shape,  with  chased  bronze  swing  handle;  its  openwork  cover 
displaying  champleve  enamelling.  The  cloisonne  vessel  on  the  ex- 
terior is  decorated  with  branches  of  plum  trees  in  blossom,  together  with 
butterflies,  all  freely  posed  on  a turquoise-blue  body  colour. 

Date : Early  XVII  century  Height,  3 % inches  Length,  6 x 4^  inches 


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No.  533.  Parcel-gilt  and  Enamelled  Garniture  de  Cheminee 

Wu-kung  shih 

(a)  tripod  censer 

ITS  bulbous  body,  with  sextuple  vertical  ribbing,  is  raised  on  three 
monster-head  legs,  and  supports  two  extended  handles  that  display  key- 
fret  designs  with  connecting  discs.  The  repousse  parcel-gilt  bowl  is  en- 
riched with  champleve  enamelling  and  hard  stone  incrustations,  in  the  form 
of  ornate  flowers  and  arabesque  scrolls.  The  shoulder,  encircled  by 
enamelled  gadroons,  includes  a leaf  border.  Its  parcel-gilt  cover,  in  like 
sextuple  foliated  form,  with  piercing  and  hard  stone  incrustations,  includes 
enamelled  floral  decoration  and  is  surmounted  by  a coiling  dragon  knob 
with  openwork. 

Height,  17  inches  Width,  15  inches  between  handles 

(B)  TWO  ENAMELLED  AND  PARCEL-GILT  BEAKERS 

WITH  vertical  ribbing,  presenting  wide  flaring  necks  and  small  centre 
sections  with  spreading  foliated  bases,  whose  flat  parcel-gilt  edges 
show  meandering  bands  of  the  key-fret  pattern.  The  champleve  enamelling, 
together  with  the  ornate  hard  stone  incrustations,  includes  varied  agates, 
turquoise,  and  lapis-lazuli,  matching  the  tripod  censer. 

Height,  np2  inches 


(C)  TWO  ENAMELLED  AND  PARCEL-GILT  CANDLESTICKS 

WITH  vertical  ribbing,  presenting  shallow  drip-cups,  with  pricket 
candle-holders.  The  embellishment  with  coloured  enamels  and 
ornate  hard  stone  incrustations  matches  the  preceding  pieces. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  12  inches 

Plate  LIV 


C2793 


No.  534.  Ming  Cloisonne  Incense  Burner 

tOW  cylinder  shape,  the  container,  or  middle  section,  with  its  white  pro- 
jecting  and  scalloped  rim,  being  raised  on  three  cloisonne  feet  in  form 
of  elephant  heads;  the  cloisonne  decoration  on  lower  section  showing  con- 
ventional coloured  lotus  flowers  and  scrolling  stems  on  turquoise-blue 
ground.  This  Ming  lotus-flower  motif  is  repeated  on  the  broad,  scalloped 
flange  above.  The  gilt  cylinder,  with  carved  openwork  in  form  of  dragon 
scrolls,  includes  cloisonne  enamel  archaic  bordering.  The  forms  are  re- 
peated on  the  cover,  with  pierced  circular  emblems  and  large  knob. 

Date:  Wan  Li  period  Height,  ioj4  inches  Diameter,  10*4  inches 


No.  535.  Pair  of  Cloisonne  Enamel  Beakers 

FLARING  trumpet  shapes,  the  ovated  central  segments  having  vertical 
dentated  ridges  in  bronze,  the  interspaces  displaying  hieratic  motifs  in 
light  cloisonne  enamels  on  a dark  blue  ground.  The  neck  and  lower  seg- 
ment, on  turquoise-blue  ground,  sustain  lotus  flowers,  palmettes,  and  leaf 
bordering  in  various  Ming  colours. 

Date  : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  12 34  inches  Diameter,  8^2  inches  at  rim 


No.  536.  Pair  of  Cloisonne  Temple  Ornaments 

TALL  Buddhistic  stupa  forms,  with  square  cloisonne  bases  and  parcel- 
gilt  gadroon  bordering,  sustaining  bulbous  segments  in  cloisonne  with 
conventional  lotus  flowers  and  interlaced  scroll  motifs  finely  executed,  in 
light  colours  of  the  K'ang  Hsi  period,  on  turquoise-blue  ground.  The  taper- 
ing cloisonne  column  forms  display  fifteen  contiguous  blue  enamelled  ring- 
bands.  Used  for  table  lamps. 

Date : Early  XVIII  century  Height,  18  inches  Base,  inches 


1:280] 


No.  537*  Ming  Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 

Fa-lang  p'ing 

PATTERNED  in  ancient  bronze  or  Elan  pottery  form,  with  bulbous 
body  and  receding  neck,  including  grotesque  tiger-mask  and  ring 
handles  at  opposite  sides.  Decorated  throughout  in  brilliant  cloisonne 
enamels  with  leafy  scrolls  and  lotus  flowers  picked  out  in  varied  Ming  col- 
ours, including  red,  white,  blue,  and  yellow  on  a turquoise-blue  ground,  and 
divided  by  three  flower-dotted  bands  of  dark  blue  that  encircle  the  body. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  15E2  inches  Diameter,  11  inches 


No.  538.  Pair  of  White  Cloisonne  Elephants 

Hsiang-f  o-pas  p ing 

BUDDHISTIC  altarpieces,  fashioned  in  the  form  of  sacred  white  ele- 
phants bearing  “precious  vases  on  their  backs,”  familiar  in  Chinese  art 
as  hsiang-t'o-pas  p'ing.  The  Eastern  albino  animals  are  realistically  repre- 
sented with  tasselled  harness  and  trappings,  including  a flowered  blue  saddle- 
cloth with  its  ornate  cloisonne  bordering  and  fringe. 

The  small  vases  of  cloisonne  enamel  show  symbolic  bats  and  arabesque 
scrolls  rendered  in  light  colours  on  turquoise-blue  ground.  The  standing 
elephants  are  mounted  on  oblong  bases  of  cloisonne  which  present  an  uneven 
ground. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  ny2  inches  Length,  7^4  inches 

Plate  LV 


O81] 


No.  539.  Cloisonne  Elephant  Tripod  Censer 

FASHIONED  in  the  form  of  an  ancient  bronze  ceremonial  (yen  or 
hsien)  vessel,  the  round  flaring  upper  section,  with  two  arched  rim 
handles  and  cloisonne  embellishment,  presenting  archaic  dragon-headed 
bird  forms  amid  flowers,  executed  in  varied  colours  on  blue  ground.  The 
body  is  supported  by  three  coalescent  elephant  heads  whose  trunks  extend 
downward  and  serve  as  the  feet,  showing  ornate  cloisonne  enamelling  in 
floral  designs.  Has  a teak-wood  stand  and  openwork  cover. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  I2j4  inches  Diameter,  934  inches 

Plate  LV 


No.  540.  Pair  of  Ming  Cloisonne  Twin  Bottles 

PRESENTING  two  coalescent  circular  bodies  in  flattened  forms,  with 
spreading  bases  and  tubular  necks.  The  cloisonne  decoration,  with 
turquoise-blue  ground,  in  one  circle  presents  a pair  of  red  dragons  in  quest 
of  the  effulgent  pearl  amid  cloud  patches  and  lotus  flowers;  while  the 
coalesced  half  circle  sustains  a yellow  tiger  amid  flower  plants.  The  reverse 
panels,  in  like  rounded  shapes,  are  finished  with  flower  and  cloud  motifs, 
while  the  slender  necks  display  lotus  flower  and  leafy  scrolls.  With  gilt 
bronze  stoppers. 

Date:  XVI  century  Height,  9 inches  Width,  5^x2  inches 


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No.  541-  Ming  Cloisonne  Enamel  Bottle 

MEI  P'ING  shape,  with  small  neck  and  inner  tube  to  hold  single  twigs 
of  prunus  blossoms;  presenting  a turquoise-blue  ground  with  con- 
ventional lotus  flowers  and  leafy  scrolls,  picked  out  in  deep  lapis-blue, 
Indian-red,  yellow,  green,  and  white.  The  base  is  finished  by  a green  and 
blue  gadroon  border  with  red  outlines. 

From  the  Squiers  Collection. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  12t/2  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  542.  Small  Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 

CT LOBULAR  bottle  shape,  with  everted  neck;  presenting  conventional 
T lotus  and  foliations  in  low  tones  of  red,  dark  blue,  and  other  Ming 
colours  on  a lapis-blue  ground. 

Date : Early  XVII  century  Height,  $y2  inches  Diameter,  3^2  inches 


No.  543.  Pair  of  Ming  Cloisonne  Candlesticks 

WITH  expanded  circular  drip-cups  and  bell-shaped  bases ; the  cloisonne 
decoration  with  ornate  floral  plants  presenting  varied  colours  on  an 
old  turquoise-blue  ground.  The  candle-cups  are  in  openwork  bronze. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  9 inches  Diameter,  6 inches 


C283] 


No.  544.  Pair  of  Ming  Cloisonne  Candlesticks 

CONVENTIONAL  shapes,  with  circular  drip-cups  and  expanded 
bases;  the  cloisonne  enamel  presenting  an  old  turquoise-blue  ground, 
relieved  by  varicoloured  lotus  flowers  amid  scrolling  stems  and  leafage. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  10^4  inches 


No.  545.  Ming  Cloisonne  Duck 

FASHIONED  in  two  parts  to  serve  for  incense  burning.  The  duck,  with 
open  beak,  stands  on  a square  cloisonne  base,  executed  in  varied  colours 
with  lotus  and  chrysanthemum  flowers  amid  leafy  scrolls  on  turquoise-blue 
ground;  the  upper  part  of  the  bird  forming  the  cover,  with  its  wings  show- 
ing varied  blue,  yellow,  and  green  cloisonne  enamel  feathers. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  9 34  inches  Length,  6y2  inches 

Plate  LVI 


No.  546.  Pair  of  Cloisonne  Ducks 

Used  for  incense  burners 

FASHIONED  after  nature,  standing,  with  gilt-bronze  open  beaks  and 
web  feet.  The  white  and  blue  breasted  cloisonne  birds  have  removable 
wings,  pierced  and  serving  as  covers;  executed  in  yellow,  black,  red,  and 
blue  enamels  with  touches  of  white,  and  matching  the  short  tails. 

Date:  Era  of  Chia  Ch'ing;  Height,  534  inches  Length,  4%  inches 

Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty 

Plate  LVI 


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No.  547.  Small  Cloisonne  Bird 

SOLIDLY  fashioned  in  archaic  form  with  parcel-gilt  wings,  beak,  and 
feet,  together  with  a small  loop  and  pendent  ring  over  its  recurled  tail. 
The  miniature  cloisonne  vase,  supported  on  the  bird’s  back,  sustains  a lotus- 
flower  motif  in  light  enamels  on  turquoise-blue  ground,  which  decoration  is 
continued  on  the  back  and  neck  of  the  bird. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  4 inches  Length,  4 inches 

Plate  LV1 


No.  548.  Small  Cloisonne  Bird  Incense  Burner 

UNIQUELY  fashioned  in  gilt-bronze  with  cloisonne  embellishment 
dominated  by  a rich  yellow.  Represented  as  seated,  with  its  head  look- 
ing backward  at  a butterfly  which  serves  as  a handle  for  the  wing  cover. 

Date : XVII  century  Height,  3 inches  Length,  4 inches 

Plate  LVI 


No.  549.  Two  Cloisonne  Enamel  Quails 

FASHIONED  after  nature  to  serve  for  incense  burning,  the  birds  stand 
with  their  beaks  open  and  turned  to  the  front.  One  presents  a white 
breast,  while  its  companion  is  yellow.  The  movable  wings  are  executed  in 
multicoloured  enamels;  the  web  feet  are  parcel-gilt  like  the  beaks. 

Date:  Era  of  Chia  Ch'ing;  Height,  6 inches  Length,  5 >4  inches 

Ta  Ch'ing  dynasty 

Plate  LVI 


No.  550.  Cloisonne  Tripod  Censer 

PRESENTING  a bulbous  quadrifoil  body,  raised  upon  three  tubular 
legs;  the  rim,  with  gilt  key-fret  (angular  lei-wen)  edge,  holds  two 
arched  upright  handles.  The  cloisonne  decoration,  with  a multicoloured 
diaper  pattern  and  archaic  scrolls,  includes  tesserae  in  varying  enamels  on 
turquoise-blue  ground.  A cloisonne  diaper  decoration  appears  uniformly 
on  the  curved  neck  and  tubular  legs,  while  the  cover,  with  similar  cloisonne 
details,  is  surmounted  by  a coiled  dragon  of  gilt  bronze. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  inches  with  cover  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  551.  Ming  Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 

OUADRANGULAR  shape,  with  ovate  contour  and  square  spreading 
base,  the  two  opposite  sides  supporting  parcel-gilt  animal-mask  han- 
dles and  rings.  The  cloisonne  decoration  on  obverse  and  reverse  faces,  with 
turquoise-blue  ground,  presents  floral  plants  and  birds  in  typical  Ming 
colours.  The  two  sides,  with  handles,  display  lotus  flowers  and  egrets,  while 
four  “sea-horses”  finish  the  square  base  segment. 

Date:  XVI  century  Height,  12^2  inches  Width,  6 inches  square 


No.  552.  Ming  Cloisonne  Enamel  Ewer 

ANCIENT  Persian  golabash,  or  rose-water  sprinkler,  with  slender  neck 
l.  and  ovate  body  supporting  a slender  cloisonne  handle  and  long  spout. 
The  obverse  and  reverse  sides  of  the  body  display  slightly  raised  panels  that, 
like  the  remaining  surfaces,  sustain  Buddhistic  lotus  flowers  in  varying  col- 
ours amid  leafy  scrolls,  filled  in  on  a ground  of  old  turquoise-blue.  Has  a 
small  round  cover  en  suite. 


Date:  XVI  century; 
era  of  Wan  Li 


Height,  10%  inches 


No.  553.  Ming  Cloisonne  Tripod  Incense  Jar 

SMALL  colander  shape,  with  three  monster-head  legs  a?nd  arched  han- 
dles; patterned  after  an  ancient  bronze.  The  cloisonne  decoration  pre- 
sents the  “eight  trigrams”  (pa  kua),  composed  of  broken  and  unbroken  lines 
of  Buddhistic  lore  in  golden  yellow  on  turquoise-blue  panels;  flanked  above 
and  below  by  ornate  borders. 

Date:  Era  of  Hsiian  Te  Height,  5 inches  Diameter,  4 *4  inches 

Plate  LVII 


No.  554.  Ming  Cloisonne  Tripod  Jar 

FLARING  out  toward  the  rim,  the  rounded  form  is  raised  on  three  small 
bronze  feet.  Presenting  a turquoise-blue  ground,  the  cloisonne  decora- 
tion, with  varied  lotus  flowers  amid  scrolling  vines,  is  executed  in  typical 
Ming  colours.  Underneath,  the  panel  bears  a floral  motif  on  green  ground, 
while  the  interior  of  neck  sustains  a cloisonne  grape-vine  motif. 

From  the  Squiers  Collection. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  4 inches  Diameter,  6}i  inches 

Plate  LVII 


No.  555.  Champleve  Enamel  Incense  Box 

Hsiang  ho 

CIRCULAR  cup  shape,  with  small  ring  handle.  The  cover,  with  champ- 
leve enamel  decoration,  presents  a coiling  dragon  on  turquoise-blue 
ground;  other  details  including  leafy  scrolls  with  dark  blue  flowers.  Bears 
a longevity  emblem. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  3 inches  Diameter,  234  inches 


[2873 


No.  556.  Cloisonne  Vase 

Hu-lu  p'ing 


GOURD-SHAPED,  the  cloisonne  details,  upon  turquoise-blue  ground, 
displaying  lotus-flower  and  leafy  scrolls,  amid  which  appear  swastika 
crosses  and  bats,  picked  out  in  varied  enamel  colours.  The  decoration  is 
completed  by  ornate  borders. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  13  inches  with  stopper  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  557.  Ming  Cloisonne  Tripod  Censer 

Hsiang  lu 

GRACEFUL  ovoid  form,  raised  on  three  grotesque  tiger-head  parcel- 
gilt  legs  and  with  two  rim  handles.  The  cloisonne  embellishment,  in 
varied  colours  on  dark  turquoise-blue  ground,  shows  conventional  lotus  flow- 
ers amid  leafy  scrolls. 

Date  : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  "]l/2  inches  Diameter,  4^4  inches 

Plate  LV II 


No.  558.  Cloisonne  Cabinet  Bottle 

Fa-lang  p'ing 

FASHIONED  after  an  ancient  bronze,  with  slender  everted  neck  and 
compressed  body.  The  ornate  cloisonne  decoration,  upon  turquoise- 
blue  ground,  shows  a series  of  linear  borders  finely  executed  in  light- 
coloured  floral  and  geometrical  designs,  divided  by  parcel-gilt  ring-bands. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  13  inches  Diameter,  7 inches 

Plate  LVII 


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No.  559*  Pair  °f  Cloisonne  Vases 

HIGH-SHOULDERED  mei  p'ing  bottle  shapes,  with  small-apertured 
necks;  intended  to  hold  single  twigs  with  blossoms.  The  cloisonne 
decoration,  on  pale  turquoise-blue  ground,  presents  flowering  plants  with 
multicoloured  blossoms,  including  yellow  tiger  lilies,  chrysanthemums,  red 
peonies,  and  lotus  buds  amid  leafy  green  stems.  The  bases  are  encircled  by 
ascending  green  palm  leaves,  while  the  shoulders  sustain  floral  bands  that 
involve  purplish  blue,  yellow,  red,  and  white  lotus  flowers.  Ming  style. 

Date:  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi  Height,  13  inches  Diameter,  7%  inches 

Plate  LVII 


No.  560.  Tall  Cloisonne  Enamel  Bottle 

OVOID  body,  slightly  compressed  at  the  receding  shoulder  and  sustain- 
ing parcel-gilt  ch'i-lin  handles  on  either  side  of  the  slender  neck.  The 
cloisonne  embellishment  around  the  lower  segment,  upon  uniform  turquoise- 
blue  ground,  presents  a lotus  pond  with  ducks  and  white  herons  among  red 
and  pink  nelumbium  flowers;  supplemented  above  at  shoulder  and  neck  by 
other  lotus-flower  motifs,  picked  out  in  the  varied  light  enamels  of  its  period. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  20%  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  561.  Ming  Cloisonne  Enamel  Vase 

PYRIFORM,  with  gilt  elephant-tusk  handles.  The  cloisonne  enamel  is 
decorated  with  red  and  white  lotus  flowers  on  turquoise  ground.  Un- 
derneath, the  foot  bears  an  incuse  Ming  dynasty  mark. 

Date : Era  of  Hsiian  Te  Height,  7^4  inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


[289] 


No.  562.  Ming  Cloisonne  Tripod  Jar 

SEMI-GLOBULAR  shape,  with  upturned  handles  and  three  curved  legs. 

The  cloisonne  decoration,  of  rare  quality,  shows  multicoloured  lotus 
flowers  upon  a uniform  rich  turquoise-blue  enamel  ground.  Underneath, 
the  foot  bears  an  incuse  Ming  mark.  Has  a separate  interior  vessel  of 
bronze. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ingTai  Height,  6 inches  Diameter,  6y2  inches 


No.  563.  Cloisonne  Incense  Burner 

DOUBLE  lozenge  form,  with  numerous  small  rings  and  supported  by 
four  gilt-bronze  figures  that  serve  as  feet.  The  cloisonne  decoration 
on  the  vertical  sides,  upon  light  turquoise-blue  ground,  presents  lotus-flower 
motifs  executed  in  light  Ch'ing  dynasty  colours.  The  perforated  cover,  with 
cloisonne  details,  sustains  a parcel-gilt  fillet-like  handle. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  7^  inches  Width,  8x5  inches 


Scholar’s  Set  or  Yen-shui-ho 

CONSISTING  OF  THE  FOLLOWING  THREE  OBJECTS: 

No.  564.  Quadrangular  Cloisonne  Beaker 

COPIED  from  an  ancient  bronze  (ku).  The  centre  segment  sustains 
parcel-gilt  vertical  dentated  ridges,  interspaced  by  cloisonne  work  on 
turquoise  and  lapis-blue  grounds,  depicting  hieratic  ogre-mask  lineaments. 
Cloisonne  embellishment  with  floral  scrolls  on  turquoise  ground  finishes 
both  neck  and  base. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  7 1/2  inches  Width,  3 inches  square 

Plate  LVIII 


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No.  565.  Cloisonne  Incense  Box 

Hsiang  ho 

QUADRANGULAR  shape,  with  rounded  corners.  The  turquoise-blue 
ground  is  relieved  by  hieratic  ogre-mask  lineaments,  rendered  in 
varied  light-coloured  enamels;  the  eyes  being  done  in  pink. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  3%  inches  Width,  3l/2  inches 

Plate  LVIII 


No.  566.  Cloisonne  Incense  Burner 

Hsiang  lu 

QUADRANGULAR  shape,  with  upturned  handles  and  cover.  Raised 
on  four  parcel-gilt  feet,  with  grotesque  mask  and  enamel  decoration, 
the  body  is  buttressed  at  the  corners  and  sides  by  vertical  dentated  ridges. 
The  cloisonne  embellishment,  upon  turquoise-blue  ground,  presents  a series 
of  hieratic  ogre-mask  lineaments,  or  t'ao-t'ieh-yen,  executed  in  varied  col- 
ours. Underneath,  the  panel  is  finished  with  cloisonne  floral  design.  The 
ornate  gilt-bronze  perforated  cover,  with  gadroons  and  cloisonne  border,  is 
surmounted  by  a fuh-lion. 

Date:  Ch'ien  Lung  period  Height,  12  inches  Width,  7x5  inches 

Plate  LVIII 


No.  567.  Triple  Stand  of  Cloisonne  and  Gilt  Bronze 

FASHIONED  in  three  separate  heights,  with  low  parcel-gilt  balustraded 
tops.  The  cloisonne  decoration  in  front,  with  geometrical  openwork, 
displays  archaic  “dragon  scrolls”  executed  in  two  tones  of  blue;  while  the 
end  panels,  with  turquoise-blue  ground,  sustain  multicoloured  floral  details. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  6 inches  Length,  i%l/2  inches 

Plate  LVIII 


O9 1 3 


No.  568.  Ming  Cloisonne  Bowl 

DEEP,  rounded  shape,  with  everted  lip.  The  cloisonne  embellishment 
presents  scrolling  vines  with  chrysanthemum  flowers  on  the  exterior, 
executed  in  varied  enamels  against  a turquoise-blue  ground.  The  interior  is 
centred  by  a lotus-flower  medallion,  defined  by  a white  band,  above  which 
appear  fuh-dogs  sporting  with  brocaded  balls  on  the  turquoise-blue  ground. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  4^  inches  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  569.  Pair  of  Small  Cloisonne  Censers 

QUADRANGULAR  shapes,  raised  on  four  gilt-bronze  feet.  The 
cloisonne  decoration,  upon  a lustrous  and  deep  blue  ground,  presents 
hieratic  t'ao-t'ieh-yen  (mask-like)  lineaments  amid  ornate  scrolls,  separated 
by  parcel-gilt  vertical  dentated  ridges.  The  covers  are  surmounted  by  gilt 
lions. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  6 inches  with  cover  Width,  4 x 2^2  inches 


No.  570.  Cloisonne  Enamel  Brush  Jar 

Fa-lang  pi-t ung 

HEXAGONAL  shape,  with  dark  bronze  base;  the  cloisonne,  upon  a 
lapis-blue  ground,  presenting  red  and  white  blossoms,  posed  amid 
turquoise-blue  vines. 

Date:  Era  of  Shun  Shih  Height,  Sl/2  inches  Diameter,  3 inches 


C292] 


Plate  LIX 
Xo.  572 

Pair  of  Colossal  Cloisonne  Enamel 
Palace  Vases 


No.  57  i.  Ming  Cloisonne  Palace  Brazier 

tOW  square  shape,  decorated  with  lotus  flowers  and  leafy  scrolls  in  vari- 
coloured  cloisonne  enamels  on  turquoise-blue  ground.  The  container 
is  supported  by  four  small  bronze  figures  that  serve  as  its  legs.  Wide,  pro- 
jecting flanges  appear  on  the  four  sides,  finished  with  cloisonne  ornament  in 
fanciful  scrolls  and  leafage  design.  The  perforated  bronze  cover  is  sur- 
mounted by  a grotesque  unicorn.  In  summer  such  objects,  filled  with  ice, 
serve  as  coolers. 

Date:  XVI  century  Height,  23  inches  Width,  23  inches  square 


No.  572.  Pair  of  Colossal  Cloisonne  Enamel  Palace  Vases 

MAMMOTH  gourd  shapes,  with  constricted  centres  and  stem-like  stop- 
pers. The  effective  cloisonne  embellishment  on  red  ground  depicts 
large  and  small  gourds  with  vines  and  leaves,  executed  in  varied  rich  enamel 
colours  after  nature.  Their  evenly  disposed  “all-over”  decoration  distin- 
guishes these  examples  from  other  forms  of  their  class  and  provenance. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Cfi'eng  Height,  42  inches  Diameter,  19^2  inches 

Plate  LIX 


No.  573.  Small  Cloisonne  Incense  Burner 

BULBOUS  tripod  shape,  with  small  rim  handles  and  three  rudimentary 
feet,  the  cloisonne  decoration  showing  conventional  lotus-flower  motifs, 
executed  in  varied  enamel  colours  on  a rich  turquoise-blue  ground.  Ming 
dynasty. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  3 inches  Diameter,  4J4  inches 


[293] 


No.  574.  Small  Cloisonne  Incense  Burner 

BULBOUS  tripod  shape,  with  small  enamelled  rim  handles,  the  cloisonne 
decoration  showing  conventional  lotus-flower  motifs  executed  in  varied 
Ming  colours  on  a deep  turquoise-blue  ground. 

Date  : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  3^2  inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  575.  Two  Cloisonne  Jardinieres 

With  jade  plaquettes 

CINQUEFOIL  shapes,  with  low  oviform  contours  and  gilt  upper  rims, 
engraved  with  key-fret  or  Chinese  lei-wen  bordering.  The  cloisonne 
decoration,  upon  rich  turquoise-blue  ground,  displays  varied  floral  details 
framing  the  five  carved  white  jade  plaquettes. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  2H  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  576.  Unique  Cloisonne  Vase 

With  porcelain  panels 

HEXAGONAL  shape,  with  attenuated  neck  and  base,  the  metal  frame- 
work supporting  six  decorated  porcelain  panels  whose  glazed  surfaces, 
with  “sky-blue”  ground,  sustain  bunches  of  red  grapes  rendered  in  under- 
glaze copper-red  tones.  The  attenuated  round  neck  and  base,  finished  in 
cloisonne  enamel  on  copper,  uniformly  display  purple  grape-vines.  Under- 
neath, a porcelain  panel,  glazed  in  soft  clair-de-lune  tone,  sustains  a six-char- 
acter mark  of  the  Great  Ch'ing  dynasty. 


Height,  9 inches 


From  the  Squiers  Collection. 
Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng 


C294: 


Diameter,  4^4  inches 


0 


Plate  LX 

W) 


No.  578 

Grand  Cloisonne 
Palace  Vase 


No.  577-  Cloisonne  Enamel  Cabinet  Vase 

OVIFORM,  with  turquoise-blue  ground,  presenting  arabesque  details  in 
varied  light  enamel  colours  of  its  period. 

Date : Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  9 y2  inches 


No.  578.  Grand  Cloisonne  Palace  Vase 

TALL  hexagonal  shape,  fashioned  with  receding  neck  supporting  two 
archaic  parcel-gilt  dragon  handles  in  harmony  with  the  six  grotesque 
tiger-masks  and  pendent  rings  which  decorate  the  sides  of  shoulder.  The 
ornate  cloisonne  enamelling  presents  multicoloured  floral  and  fern  designs 
on  brilliant  blue  ground  of  lapis-lazuli  tint.  Each  side  is  framed  by  angular 
“dragon  scroll”  motifs,  executed  in  two  rich  tones  of  blue.  An  example 
from  the  Imperial  ateliers  of  Peking. 

Date : Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  3034  inches  Width,  18%  x 1234  inches 

Plate  LX 


No.  579.  Ming  Cloisonne  Incense  Tripod  Urn 

LOW  shape,  with  cylindrical  bowl  and  arched  cloisonne  cover.  Raised  on 
J three  brass  feet,  the  body  sustains  a circular  projecting  flange  at  the 
upper  rim,  and  its  cloisonne  embellishment,  on  turquoise-blue  ground,  dis- 
plays typical  Ming  coloured  flowers  among  leafy  green  scrolls.  The  panel 
underneath  bears  a cloisonne  decoration  with  the  mystical  dual  (yin-yang) 
emblem  and  fillets.  The  cloisonne  cover  is  surmounted  by  a gilt  dragon. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  3^4  inches  Diameter,  6 inches 


[295] 


No.  580.  Gilt-bronze  and  Jewelled  Monster  Urn 

CAST  in  the  composite  form  of  a fabulous  quadruped  animal,  or  ch'i-lin. 

Its  fierce  head  has  one  horn,  and  its  scaly  body  the  suggestion  of 
archaic  wings.  This  mythical  monster  (a  paragon  of  virtue)  is  represented 
here  with  studding  of  semi-precious  stones,  including  claws  of  jade  on  its 
feet.  Some  of  the  shaped  hard  stones,  like  lapis-lazuli,  turquoise,  and  coral, 
have  been  replaced  by  coloured  wax  substitutions. 

Date:  Era  of  Yung  Ch'eng  Height,  10  inches  Length,  7 inches 


No.  581.  Cloisonne  Enamel  Box 


LOW  oval  shape,  the  cover  and  bowl  uniformly  presenting  varicoloured 
J blossom  motifs  on  turquoise-blue  ground.  The  interior  shows  the  sim- 
ple copper  body. 


Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  2%  inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  582.  Ming  Cloisonne  Fruit  Plate 

Kuo  p" an 

SHALLOW  rounded  form,  raised  on  three  feet,  the  face  and  reverse  side 
uniformly  presenting  grapes  amid  leafy  vines,  picked  out  in  varied 
enamel  colours  on  turquoise-blue  ground.  Great  Ming  dynasty. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  7%  inches 


C296] 


No.  583.  Ming  Cloisonne  Bowl 

DEEP  rounded  shape  with  everted  lip,  the  cloisonne  embellishment  of 
the  exterior,  upon  turquoise-blue  ground,  presenting  scrolling  vines 
and  lotus  flowers,  executed  in  the  typical  Ming  colours.  Upon  like  blue 
ground,  the  interior  is  centred  by  a small  circular  fish-dragon  medallion, 
over  which  are  circled  four  fuh-dogs  sporting  with  brocaded  balls. 

Date:  Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  4^2  inches  Diameter,  9 inches 


No.  584.  Small  Cloisonne  Tripod  Incense  Burner 

GLOBULAR  shape,  with  gilt-bronze  feet  and  tiger-head  handles  hold- 
ing rings;  the  cloisonne,  with  symbolical  bat  motifs  in  varied  colours 
on  a turquoise-blue  ground,  including  a lanceolated  rim  border.  The  per- 
forated gilt-bronze  cover  displays  five  bats  and  longevity  devices. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  4 y2  inches  Diameter,  3 54  inches 

with  cover 


No.  585.  Small  Cloisonne  Tripod  Incense  Burner 

BULBOUS  oviform  urn,  with  two  gilt-bronze  dragon  handles  and  ogre- 
' head  feet.  The  cloisonne  decoration  presents  a rich  turquoise-blue 
ground,  relieved  by  varied  floral  details,  executed  in  distinctive  enamel  col- 
ours of  the  Ming  dynasty. 

Date:  XVI  century  Height,  4 inches  Diameter,  \y2  inches 


[297] 


No.  586.  Small  Cloisonne  Tripod  Incense  Burner 

IOW  rounded  urn  form,  raised  on  three  feet  and  with  two  twisted  rim 
•J  handles  of  brass ; the  cloisonne  enamelling,  upon  turquoise-blue  ground, 
showing  vines  and  leafage. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  3%  inches  Diameter,  4 ^4  inches 


No.  587.  Cloisonne  Enamel  Tray 

To  p" an 

THE  design,  upon  turquoise-blue  ground,  involves  small  chrysanthe- 
mum flowers,  vines,  and  narrow  borders,  picked  out  in  varied  colours 
of  the  Ming  dynasty.  The  reverse  is  plain  bronze. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  7 inches 


No.  588.  Ming  Cloisonne  Fruit  Dish 

Kuo  p' an 

ROUNDED  shape,  with  everted  rim  and  five  small  feet;  the  cloisonne 
embellishment,  upon  turquoise-blue  ground,  presenting  scrolling  vines 
and  lotus  flowers,  executed  in  the  varied  and  typical  enamel  colours  of  its 
ascribed  period.  The  interior  is  centred  by  a small  circular  dragon  disc, 
while  the  reverse  side  sustains  an  engraved  inscription  of  a former  native 
owner:  “For  the  use  of  the  one  who  reigns  above”  (i.e.,  the  Emperor). 

Date : Era  of  Ching  T'ai  Height,  2%  inches  Diameter,  8%  inches 


[298] 


No.  589.  Ming  Cloisonne  Enamel  Plate 

ROUND  shallow  shape,  with  lotus  flower  and  scroll  design,  executed  in 
- varied  colours  on  a pale  turquoise-blue  ground.  The  under  side  pre- 
sents kindred  details. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  10  inches 


No.  590.  Cloisonne  Garniture  de  Cheminee 

Wu-kung  shih 

(A)  TRIPOD  CENSER 

SERVES  as  centrepiece,  with  globular  body  raised  on  three  monster-head 
legs  and  supporting  two  flat  out-curving  handles.  The  cloisonne  enamel 
decoration,  upon  turquoise-blue  ground,  involves  conventional  sprays  of  the 
Indian  lotus,  in  the  ornate  hsi  fan-lien  style  of  the  Ch'ien  Lung  period.  In- 
cluding gilt-bronze  gadroon  border.  Has  teak-wood  cover  and  stand. 

Height,  14  inches  Diameter,  11  inches 

(B)  TWO  CLOISONNE  BEAKERS 

EN  SUITE,  with  small  ovoid  centres  sustaining  slender  trumpet-shaped 
necks  and  spreading  bases;  the  cloisonne  designs  including  ornate  floral 
details  on  turquoise-blue  ground.  Ascending  and  descending  palm-leaf 
borders  finish  the  spreading  necks  and  bases. 

Height,  15%  inches 


(C)  TWO  CLOISONNE  PRICKET  CANDLESTICKS 

EN  SUITE,  with  expanded  drip-cups  and  bell-shaped  bases;  the  cloi- 
sonne decoration  of  ornate  floral  and  arabesque  scrolls  on  turquoise- 
blue  ground  matching  the  preceding  examples. 

Date:  Era  of  Ch'ien  Lung  Height,  16  inches 


[299  3 


No.591-  Ming  Cloisonne  Cup  Tray 

EMBELLISHED  with  fanciful  orchid  designs,  executed  in  varied 
enamel  colours  on  a light  turquoise-blue  ground,  and  enclosed  by  a 
white  blossom  rim  border. 

Date:  XVII  century  Diameter,  5^4  inches 


No.  592.  Ming  Cloisonne  Cup  Tray 

ROUNDED  shape,  with  fine  lotus-flower  motif  on  turquoise-blue 
. ground,  finished  by  a white  cloisonne  rim  border. 

Date : Era  of  Wan  Li  Diameter,  6^4  inches 


No.  593.  Cloisonne  Cabinet  Bottle 

BULBOUS  pear  shape,  with  slender  neck;  the  cloisonne  decoration,  on 
turquoise-blue  ground,  presenting  small  chrysanthemum  motifs. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  6y2  inches 


No.  594.  Small  Cloisonne  Pilgrim  Bottle 

FLATTENED  ovoid  shape,  with  two  recurved  handles  of  bronze.  The 
cloisonne  decoration  displays  lotus  flowers  in  varied  colours  on  tur- 
quoise-blue ground. 

Date  : Era  of  Wan  Li  Height,  5 inches 


C300  3 


No.  595-  Pair  °f  Cloisonne  Brush  jars 

CYLINDRICAL  forms,  the  cloisonne  details — lotus  and  other  symboli- 
cal floral  motifs  in  light  colours — representing  the  “ssu-chi-hua,”  or 
“flowers  of  the  four  seasons,”  on  turquoise-blue  ground.  Era  of  Ch'ien 
Lung. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  5 inches  Diameter,  inches 


No.  596.  Cloisonne  Enamel  Cup 

Fa-lang  chan 

THE  exterior  design,  with  borders,  sustains  lotus  flowers  and  vines  in 
varied  colours  on  turquoise-blue  ground,  while  the  interior  displays  an 
old  ivory-white  ground  with  freely  disposed  blossoms.  Era  of  K'ang  Hsi. 

Date : XVII  century  Height,  2 inches  Diameter,  ^y2  inches 


No.  597.  Cloisonne  Wine  Pot 

Chiu  hu 

BULBOUS  shape,  with  gilt-bronze  openwork  cover  matching  handle  and 
spout;  the  cloisonne  showing  purplish  lavender  coloured  ground  with 
lotus  flower  and  arabesque  details  executed  in  varied  colours,  enriched  with 
gadroon  border.  Bears  an  engraved  four-character  mark  of  the  Ch'ien 
Lung  period.  Its  cover  is  surmounted  by  a green  jadeite  button. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  5^  inches  Diameter,  5 inches 

with  cover 


C301  3 


No.  597A.  Cloisonne  Enamel  Ewer 

Chiu  hu 


ANCIENT  Persian  golabash  shape,  used  as  a rose-water  sprinkler;  with 
slender  neck  and  bulbous  body  supporting  a narrow  curving  cloisonne 
handle  and  long  spout.  The  body,  with  cloisonne  embellishment,  sustains 
lotus  flowers  in  varying  colours  amid  leafy  scrolls  on  a ground  of  deep  tur- 
quoise-blue,  while  the  tubular  neck,  with  similar  lotus  flowers,  includes  an 
interlacement  in  white.  An  early  example.  Era  of  Ching  T'ai. 


Date : XV  century 


Height,  io  inches 


[302;] 


GROUP  OF  CHINESE  BRONZES 


% 


No.  598.  Inlaid  Bronze  Animal  Wine  Vessel 


ANCIENT  form  of  mythological  rhinoceros  ewer  (hsi-tsun),  used  for 
JT\.  holding  sacrificial  wine.  The  quadruped  animal  is  strongly  modelled 
and  enriched  with  both  silver  and  gold  nielle  work  done  in  archaic  scroll 
designs,  including  gold-incrusted  eyes  and  ears.  The  hollow  back  supports 
a hinged  cover  with  like  nielle  details.  An  interesting  Chou  type. 


Date:  Probably  Han  dynasty 


Height,  7^2  inches 


Length,  7 inches 
Plate  LX1 


No.  599.  Small  Bronze  Incense  Burner 

ANCIENT  globular  shape,  showing  an  interlacement  of  hieratic  scroll 
xJL  ornament  cast  in  strong  relief  and  involving  archaic  monster  heads  with 
gold-incrusted  eyes.  Rich  olive-green  patine. 


Date:  Probably  T'ang  Height,  4 inches  with  teak  cover 


Diameter,  4 inches 
Plate  LX1 


No.  600.  Bronze  Fuh-lion 

THE  fabulous  animal  is  represented  seated  on  its  haunches,  with  fierce 
open  jaws  and  bushy  tail;  its  back,  with  cover,  showing  the  flame-like 
appendages  familiar  in  early  Buddhist  art.  The  patine  is  of  brownish  tone. 
Used  for  burning  incense. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  5^  inches  Length,  7 inches 

Plate  LXI 


[305] 


No.  601,  Inlaid  Bronze  Wine  Ewer 

FANTASTIC  elongated  form  (yen-shui-ho),  with  cover  and  a curved 
side  handle;  representing  a mythological  animal,  or  “sacred  ox,”  used 
in  remote  times  for  sacrificial  rites.  The  rounded  ends  and  mid-sections  are 
buttressed  with  vertical  arete  ridges,  while  the  body  is  inlaid  with  archaic 
copper  and  oxidized  silver  scrolls,  a swastika  cross  emblem  appearing  on  the 
forehead.  The  interior,  with  green  patine,  sustains  an  incuse  inscription, 
reading : “Precious  wine  vessel  made  by  Su.”  Its  exterior  presents  a lustrous 
brown  patine,  with  malachite  green  speckling. 

Date:  Probably  Sung  Height,  7^4  inches  Length,  8 inches 

Plate  LXI 


No.  602.  Inlaid  Bronze  Wine  Vessel 

ELONGATED  form  (yen-shui-ho),  with  low  everted  base  and  a gro- 
tesque animal-headed  handle.  The  archaic  vessel,  with  its  cover,  is 
formed  by  the  head  and  back  of  a mythological  ox,  and  was  used  in  remote 
times  for  ceremonial  rites.  The  oxidized  silver  nielle  embellishment,  with 
hieratic  ogre-mask  lineaments  including  gold  inlaid  eyes,  is  completed  with 
leafy  scrolls,  spiral  forms,  and  geometrical  fret-bands.  Presents  a brown 
patine  on  the  exterior  and  verdigris-green  on  the  interior,  together  with  an 
ancient  incuse  inscription,  reading:  “For  use  and  preservation  by  future 
generations.” 

Date  : Sung  dynasty  Height,  8 y2  inches  Width,  12%  x 4 inches 


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No.  603.  Bronze  and  Silver  Inlaid  Ewer 

Chiu  hu 

IN  miniature  form,  representing  an  ancient  sacrificial  wine  vessel  with 
recurved  monster-headed  handle;  its  rounded  ends  and  mid-sides  show- 
ing vertical  dentations  together  with  silver  inlaying  (chin-yin-ssu),  rendered 
in  linear  and  panel  forms  of  nielle  work,  oxidized  black  from  age,  against 
the  brownish  patine. 

Date:  Sung  dynasty  Height,  3 inches  Length,  4x2  inches 

Plate  LXI 


No.  604.  Small  Bronze  Tripod  Urn 

Hsiao  ting 

MINIATURE  form  of  ancient  cauldron,  raised  on  three  low  tiger-head 
feet  and  with  angular  upright  handles;  the  nielle  design  in  gold  and 
oxidized  silver  (known  in  China  as  chin-yin-ssu)  presenting  a border  of 
hieratic  details  and  ju-i  head  outlines.  The  rounded  bronze  cover,  with 
similar  inlaying,  sustains  three  recumbent  rams  in  bold  relief. 

Date:  Sung  dynasty  Height,  4 inches  Diameter,  4 inches 

Plate  LXI 


[30  73 


No.  605.  Ancient  Bronze  Statue  of  the  God  of  War 

REPRESENTING  Kuan  Ti,  a hero  of  the  Chinese  civil  wars  at  the 
■ close  of  the  Han  dynasty,  who  was  canonized  during  the  Sung  dynasty 
as  an  immortal,  and  deified  in  1594  as  Kuan  yu,  the  Chinese  state  “god  of 
war.”  His  worship  as  such  became  firmly  established  during  the  Manchu 
dynasty.  Strongly  modelled,  he  is  depicted  standing  on  a low  platform  and 
perhaps  three-quarters  life-size,  of  robust  proportions  and  stern  aspect.  The 
martial  figure  is  distinguished  especially  by  the  long  beard,  for  which  Kuan 
Ti  was  noted,  and  which  he  was  wont  to  stroke  (hence  one  of  his  names  was 
“Lord  of  the  Splendid  Beard”).  The  immortal  is  clad  in  the  half-mail 
armour  of  the  Han  dynasty,  with  a dragon  crest  and  a magistrate’s  girdle 
around  his  waist.  In  art  he  is  usually  depicted  with  a spear,  which  is  miss- 
ing here  from  the  left  hand.  The  bronze  appears  to  have  been  cast  by  the 
wax  process,  supplemented  by  hand  tooling.  Presents  a natural  dark  mot- 
tled olive-brown  and  deep  red  patine,  together  with  the  remains  of  old  red 
lacquer  pigment  and  gilding,  much  exfoliated  from  age.  Ascribed  to  the 
T'ang  dynasty. 

Date:  Probably  early  Sung  Height,  4 feet  2 inches  Base,  17  x 13  inches 

Plate  LXll 


No.  606.  Bronze  Incense  Burner 

IN  the  giant  form  of  a mythological  three-legged  toad,  fabled  as  the  com- 
panion of  Lui  Han,  one  of  the  Taoist  immortals.  The  amphibian  crea- 
ture, with  three  web  feet,  is  presented  in  two  sections,  its  lower  body  serving 
as  the  bowl,  while  the  upper  part,  with  the  head,  farms  the  cover.  Natural 
protuberances  are  shown  on  its  skin.  With  a mottled  olive-brown  and  green 
patine. 

Date:  Probably  late  Ming  Height,  5^2  inches  Length,  11  inches 


C308] 


Plate  LXII 

77) 


No.  605 

Ancient 
Bronze  Statue 
of  the 

God  of  War 


No.  607.  Pair  of  Bronze  Bottle-shaped  Vases 

FASHIONED  with  slender  necks  and  small  bulbous  apertures  encircled 
by  young  dragons,  modelled  in  bold  relief  with  gold  incrustation.  Six 
gold-incrusted  protuberances  appear  on  the  globular  bodies,  while  the  patine 
presents  rich  russet-red  and  brown  tones. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  8 inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  608.  Chinese  Bronze  Warrior 

Shen  hsien 

STANDING  on  an  oblong  base,  the  bearded  figure,  in  robes  of  state,  with 
dragon  vestment  and  showing  the  remains  of  ancient  gilding,  represents 
Kuan  Yii,  who  was  a civil  war  hero  of  the  second  and  early  third  centuries, 
canonized  as  an  immortal  during  the  twelfth  century,  and  later  worshipped 
as  a state  god.  The  patine  is  dark  brown.  Vide  No.  605. 

Date:  XII  or  XIII  century  Height,  10^2  inches 


No.  609.  Bronze  Falcon  Incense  Burner 

Ying  hsiang  lu 

NEARLY  life-size  and  perched  on  a rocky  platform  with  joss-stick 
holes  on  either  side,  surrounded  by  waves ; the  bird,  with  hinged  cover 
and  open  beak,  showing  gold  incrustation  on  the  breast  and  wings,  together 
with  a lustreless  brown  patine. 

Date : Sung  dynasty  Height,  13^2  inches  with  base  Length,  12  inches 


(I  309  3 


No.6io.  Bronze  Monster-urn  Incense  Burner 

FASHIONED  in  the  composite  form  of  a fabulous  quadruped  animal 
with  a grotesque  one-horned  ch'i-lin  head,  hinged  to  serve  as  a movable 
cover  for  the  shou-lu,  or  “monster  urn.”  The  body  shows  flame-like  append- 
ages and  claw  feet,  with  a snake  at  the  fore  legs.  Presents  a lustreless  brown 
patine,  with  the  remains  of  old  gilding. 

Date:  Sung  dynasty  Height,  n inches  Length,  inches 


No.  611.  Ming  Bronze  Incense  Burner 

OUADRANGULAR  shape,  with  two  grotesque  lion-head  handles;  the 
obverse  and  reverse  sides  of  body,  in  low  relief,  displaying  dragons 
among  sea-waves,  while  the  end  panels  depict  fabulous  ch'i-lins,  posed  over 
waves,  together  with  a band  of  spiral  pattern.  The  arched  cover,  with 
pierced  and  carved  work,  shows  a dragon  amid  cloud  patches  in  pursuit  of 
the  pearl.  Bears  an  incuse  Hsuan  Te  seal  mark. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  534  inches  Width,  4 inches  square 


No.  612.  Inlaid  Bronze  Beaker 

AN  early  form,  used  for  wine  ceremonials,  with  slightly  flaring  neck  and 
\ low  base,  which,  together  with  the  middle  section,  sustains  dentated 
vertical  ridges.  The  gold-incrusted  nielle  embellishment  presents  archaic 
dragon  scrolls  and  fret  and  leaf  border.  The  deep  sunken  foot  is  solidly  cast 
with  the  sides  of  base,  and  bears  an  ancient  mark  in  hieroglyphics  of  the  Chou 
or  Shang  dynasty  (undeciphered),  in  effect  meaning:  “To  be  handed  down 
from  father  to  son.”  Covered  with  verdigris-green  and  olive-brown  patine. 

Date:  Probably  pre-Han  Height,  6%  inches  Diameter,  4 ^4  inches 


[310] 


No.  613.  Long-necked  Bronze  Vase 

Huan  p'ing 

WITH  bulbous  body  and  long  tubular  neck,  sustaining  looped  handles 
and  eighteen  suspended  rings;  the  incised  ornament,  in  varied  hier- 
atic border  forms,  including  angular  fret  (lei-wen)  and  convoluted  scrolls 
with  foliations.  The  major  design,  posed  between  raised  vertical  ridges, 
depicts  an  archaic  bird  motif  upon  diaper  fretted  ground.  The  blended 
patine  shows  fine  brown  and  malachite-green  tones.  Underneath,  the  foot 
bears  an  incuse  inscription  in  seal  form,  reading:  “May  this  be  used  and 
treasured  by  our  sons  and  grandsons” — i.e.,  by  posterity. 

Date:  Sung  dynasty  Height,  13%  inches  Diameter,  5^  inches 


No.  614.  Inlaid  Bronze  Tripod  Ewer 

GLOBULAR  shape,  raised  on  three  legs,  that  are  in  the  form  of  birds  on 
the  backs  of  animals,  and  with  bird-headed  spout.  The  silver  inlaid 
details  show  scrolled  border  forms  that  encircle  the  shoulder  and  mid- 
section; between  these  appears  a band  of  recurrent  pattern.  The  cover,  with 
silver  inlaid  rim  border,  is  surmounted  by  a recumbent  chimasra-like  animal 
with  bird’s  head.  The  patine  shows  blended  green,  brown,  and  red  tones. 
T'ang  type. 

Date : Sung  dynasty  Height,  9^2  inches  Diameter,  8%  inches 


C3H] 


No.  615.  Tall  Silver  Inlaid  Bronze  Vase 

PYRIFORM  body,  with  spreading  base  and  long  flaring  neck,  encircled 
by  two  slender  coiling  snakes,  which  appear  in  high  relief  and  uniquely 
distinguish  this  rare  example.  The  ornamentation,  in  low  relief,  compre- 
hending serpentine  and  archaic  leaf  bordering,  is  supplemented  by  nielle 
(chin-yin-ssu,  or  silver  thread  work),  done,  in  the  form  of  tendril  and  angu- 
lar key-fret  or  lei-wen  scroll  patterns,  between  the  reptiles  and  around  the 
body.  In  natural  coloured  patine,  the  bronze  surfaces  present  mottled  green 
and  olive-brown  tones.  An  undeciphered  incuse  inscription  appears  on  the 
interior  of  the  neck. 

From  the  Prince  Rung  Collection. 

Date:  Sung  dynasty  Height,  28  inches  Diameter,  13  inches 

Plate  LX  III 


No.  616.  Chinese  Bronze  Brush  Jar 

CYLINDRICAL  (pi-t'ung)  form,  with  etched  border  designs;  en- 
circled by  a dragon  in  bold  relief  whose  fore  claws  clutch  the  jewel  of 
omnipotence.  Brown  patine. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  9 inches  Diameter,  4 inches 


No.  617.  Pair  of  Bronze  Elephants  supporting  Vases 

ORNAMENTED  with  rich  trappings,  studded  with  small  semi-precious 
stones,  and  showing  a brilliant  light  brown  patine. 

Date : XVIII  century  Height,  7 inches  Length,  6 inches 


[312: 


Plate  LXIII 
No.  615 


Tall 

Silver  Inlaid 
Bronze  Vase 


i 


No.  618.  Sentoku  Sun-spot  Bronze  Vase 

OF  archaic  quadrangular  form,  with  ovoid  contour  and  two  lizard-like 
dragons  raised  on  either  side  of  the  attenuated  neck,  and  whose  horn- 
less heads  ascend  toward  the  rim,  while  their  bifurcated  tails  reach  down 
over  the  shoulder  in  opposite  directions.  The  yellow  (sentoku)  bronze  pre- 
sents the  incrusted  gold  dappling  termed  “sun  spots.”  Underneath,  the  foot 
bears  an  incuse  seal  mark  of  the  Hsiian  Te  period. 

Date:  Ming  dynasty  Height,  io}4  inches  Width,  5 inches  square 


No.  619.  Gilt-bronze  Lamaist  Figurine 

Shen  hsien 

REPRESENTING  Kuan-yin,  as  a Bodhisattva,  in  rich  attire,  with 
. jewels  and  tiara.  The  divinity  is  seated  cross-legged  on  a lotus  thala- 
mus, her  hands  holding  a flower  emblem. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  5%  inches  Width,  3 inches 


No.  620.  Gilt  Bronze  Figurine 

Shen  hsien 

REPRESENTING  Buddha,  the  “All-wise,”  with  traditional  short  curly 
. hair,  long  ear  lobes,  and  the  urna  mark  on  forehead,  seated  cross-legged 
on  a lotus  thalamus,  with  left  hand  resting  on  his  lap,  while  the  right  arm 
is  extended  over  the  leg.  Underneath  panel  bears  an  engraved  vajra  em- 
blem, indicating  its  canonical  use  in  a Lama  temple. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  5 inches  Width,  3*4  inches 


[313] 


No.  621.  Chinese  Bronze  Bodhisat  Figure 

REPRESENTING  the  goddess  Kuan-yin  in  sedant  form.  Light  brown 
■ patine. 

Date:  Late  XVIII  century  Height,  <)l/2  inches 


No.  622.  Ornate  Bronze  Vase 

SLENDER  beaker  shape,  with  recurved  handies,  presenting  a band  of 
fret  pattern  around  the  body,  with  archaic  dragon  forms,  flanked  above 
and  below  by  incised  palm  leaves.  Probably  Japanese. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  7 inches  Diameter,  3%  inches 


No.  623.  Pair  of  Bronze  Figure  Candlesticks 

RIGHT  and  left  forms,  representing  Buddhistic  semi-nude  boys  holding 
. lotus  leaves  with  the  candle  prickets.  They  show  a uniform  brown 
patine. 

Date:  XVIII  century  Height,  12  inches 


No.  624.  Antique  Bronze  Brush  Vase 

CYLINDRICAL  tripod  shape,  with  four  open  panels  presenting  sages 
of  the  Taoist  Pantheon.  Two  slender  dragon-formed  handles  and  a 
narrow  fret  band  finish  the  rim,  while  the  base  is  encircled  by  waves.  Raised 
on  its  own  attached  stand  of  bronze. 

Date:  XVII  century  Height,  9 inches  Diameter,  5 inches 


[SHU 


No.  625.  Remarkable  Twelve-fold  Screen 

Coromandel  Lacquer 

WITH  crackled  black  lacquered  ground  and  incised  details,  picked  out 
in  champleve  colours  of  the  seventeenth  century.  An  imposing  bird 
motif  is  presented  together  with  symbolical  flowering  plants,  fanciful  rock- 
eries, a lotus  pond,  and  small  islands;  inspired  by  one  of  the  Ming  masters, 
possibly  Lin  Liang  Chi  or  Lii  Ki.  The  feathered  gathering,  in  pairs,  includes 
peacocks,  pheasants,  cranes,  egrets,  magpies,  mandarin  ducks,  swallows,  mar- 
tins, and  many  other  birds  paying  tribute  to  the  feng-huang,  or  phoenix  birds, 
depicted  on  the  central  panels.  A wide  border,  framing  the  flowers  and  bird 
decoration,  comprises  picture  medallions  in  varied  angular,  circular,  fan, 
and  foliated  forms  that  alternately  enclose  flowers,  birds,  landscapes,  fabu- 
lous animals,  and  gift  objects.  The  reverse  side  sustains  a similar  wide 
border  and  kindred  medallions  with  varied  details,  framing  a long  engraved 
inscription  giving  scores  of  donors’  names  and  felicitations  to  the  recipient, 
Viceroy  Chang  of  Pechi-li  (which  included  Peking),  on  his  birthday  anni- 
versary, dated  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  Emperor  K'ang  Hsi’s  reign.  This 
high  mandarin  was  a lettered  (tsin-shih)  member  of  the  Ai-ling-Hsien 
(Han-lin),  or  Imperial  Academy. 

Date:  Circa  1690  Height,  9 feet  Total  width,  about  15  feet 

For  want  of  a proper  Chinese  name,  the  term  “Coromandel  lacquer”  was  applied  to  these 
champleve  lacquers  when  first  introduced  in  France  and  Russia. 


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